[seszett]

> I stop hanging out with these types of people.

It's a natural reaction, but these people are actually suffering from an addiction and for at least some of them (those who can take remarks and act on them) it's better to tell them in a friendly way that you are having a discussion.

Most people are aware that cutting off a discussion is impolite and undesirable, they just don't realise they're doing it.

[jjgreen]

I admire your positive attitude, but it's similar to smackheads, they're just no fun to be around. "Have you thought of taking less Heroin" won't cut it.

[wccrawford]

I think you're getting downvoted because of your comparison to hard drugs, but you're not wrong about the people.

That phone is more engaging to them than the conversation they're in, and if you try to tell them about it, they use all the same excuses that other addicts use, plus a few more.

[jjgreen]

Downvotes whatever. The analogy is apposite I think, you do see that addicts and non-addicts do tend to gather into groups, neither finds the company of the other very attractive. In pubs, you often see groups of phone people, each with a half-pint in front of them, each furiously texting away to people they'd rather be spending time with. Top night out!