How Cell Phones Influence How We Interact With People

This clip depicts Goffman's Levels of Engagement (fully focused, partially focused, and not focused). That theory basically demonstrates one way cell phones influence our society, by taking away our attention from the activities we otherwise normally would be fully present in. Cell phones let us be partially engaged in other activities and with other people while we are with someone else or doing something else. In the video, the guy is on a date with someone, and instead of focusing on his interaction with the date, he is multitasking. Occasionally, he asks his date a question about herself, but for most of the time, he is fiddling with his cell phones, which he has two. He is partially engaged in his activity, the date, and partially engaged with his cellular communication. In the video, he sends texts, and makes and receives phone calls, so much that it is frustrating to the viewer, because he is in a restaurant and the social acceptability of cell phone use in a restaurant is low, as compared to another place, like a sidewalk.Cell phones are great because they increase the fluidity of our lives. I mean, think about it, how many times do you make solid plans to meet up with someone? Like, "Let's meet up next to the columns in front of the library at exactly 3:39 PM on Tuesday". Mobile communication increases our social bonds with people, but all the while, excessive use of them is unhealthy for trying to live in the present. What life really consists of is the here and now, and all I can say is, try to be as present as you can.