[chasing]

Excellent comment.

There's a weird kind of "back in the idealistic days of yore" element to this. Texting during meals, for example, isn't something I regularly do. But. I can think of many situations where it's been important in solving a social problem. For example, if someone got lost en route and needs a little help. Or is running late and just wants to politely let you know to go ahead and order. To ignore those messages would be kind of an asshole move.

Remember when not everyone carried mobile phones? Basic communication when people were out-and-about was wildly inconvenient if not completely impossible. Tons of time and energy got wasted doing basic tasks we now completely take for granted.