[dotsh]

> Compared to what?

For instance compared to talking with each other. Didn't you spot that at every bar? Snapchat or Facebook Messenger are the main sources of communication now even for people who sit side by side. But probably I'm closed minded and I do not see a bigger picture.

[TeMPOraL]

Yes, you are, because you seem to put everything under the common label of "staring at screens" :).

You look around the bar, and see lots of people staring at screens. Were you to look closer, peek over everyone's shoulder, you'd see that the group over that table is skimming the project document they met to talk about. That couple over there just took out their phones to skim the news, the first moment they had during the day for that. That girl next to the entrance is ordering a taxi. That awkward-looking guy fiddling with his phone just got an important message from his SO, and as untactful as it may be between friends, he doesn't feel comfortable not replying immediately. Etc.

The range of activities we do over phones is so big, that you can't just bundle it together. Many of those activities become social objects themselves, i.e. something we start talking about or doing together.

[dotsh]

> Yes, you are, because you seem to put everything under the common label of "staring at screens" :).

I'm not and don't exaggerate with this. I don't mind if someone commute for a an hour and a half to work and reads a book, skim the news news or prepare for work meeting. This is not the point here.

It just hurts me as I see people who evidently met to spend time together and for 40 minutes did not exchange words but they scroll through instagram or facebook all the time and I am a witness to such situations constantly.

But this is not a thread about it, anyway I think that the AR deserves better times and much more convenient equipment than the phone in hand.

[malux85]

I don't go to bars, I'm too busy staring at screens ;) . haha!

This is the app I was talking about: http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2018/civilisatio... . give it a try, it's cool!

[dotsh]

But you know... you don't bring your computer to drink with friends. ;-)

BBC app is awesome it could be way more awesome when using a smart glasses but we don't have them yet. I'm waiting for that day... :)

[ryandrake]

I kind of use that “would I pull out my laptop” question as a guide to mobile phone politeness. In any social context, if it would be rude to pull out a laptop and start typing, then it is also rude to pull out your phone and use it. Rule of thumb, there may be exceptions.

[gumby]

I see it as spreading the conversation to more people than are around the table. Plenty of conversation appears to be happening too. But that could be a cultural thing.