MG Siegler’s snarky title frames an ongoing drama in which we are all actors, willing or otherwise; day by day we redefine our relationships and our lives with new technologies. Siegler is a San Francisco-based journalist whose work appears frequently on TechCrunch, an online technology-oriented news source, blog, and information hub. He is a frequent tweeter and a prolific blogger (parislemon.com), and as his article mentions, is never far from his phone.
Read it here: MG Siegler, “I Will Check My Phone At Dinner And You Will Deal With It”
- Siegler asserts in his first paragraph that dinner hour phone users abound in any restaurant, anywhere. He acknowledges in the next paragraph, however, that he lives in a “Bay Area bubble,” where the general populace is presumably more tech-oriented than in other regions. How does the area where you live compare? Do you expect to see many diners peering at their phones in restaurants, either openly or under the table?
- Siegler sets up his mother as his “they say.” Is this an effective rhetorical strategy for him? Imagine a different “They Say” strategy—what might it be? Might it be more effective? Why or why not?
- What does the phrase “Dinner 2.0” signify for you? Why? What does the “2.0” refer to?
- Siegler embraces the new modes of technology-enhanced social interaction, stating that “this is the way the world works now. We’re always connected and always on call. And some of us prefer it that way.” Do you? Write an essay in which you describe your comfort or discomfort with a life “always connected and always on call.” Provide examples from your own experience as a user of technology. and/or as a tech user’s companion, spouse, coworker, family member, etc.
They Say I Blog 
This is a test comment. #PennState
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I agree to some point with the article “I Will Check My Phone at Dinner And You Will Deal With It”. Young adults are growing up with cell phones and new forms of technology, they do not view using cellphones at social events be a rude thing. Checking your phone at dinner has become such a normal thing, we do not even realize at times we are being rude and ignoring the people we are with. The writer himself does not mind using his phone at dinner, and no one can prevent him from doing so. At times, I become angry and frustrated if someone is constantly on their phone when we are having dinner, it seems like that person does not want to enjoy my company. I enjoy socializing with people face to face but at times I too am guilty of ignoring the person I am with because I am on my phone. His argument is clear, it is the age of technology so we should become used to seeing phones everywhere but I think that a person’s phone can last an hour without them we should take breaks from technology once in a while. Technology has taken over so much of our daily lives and we cannot help but always be on it, but I think at times we can put it away just for a little. We should learn self-control and realize, even though technology has helped us in many advancements it has also had many disadvantages. I agree with what the writer has to say, although I think we should know our limits when it comes to checking our phones. Sometimes we have to resort to our phones and that is okay we should be able to use our phones freely, but we should also make time to talk face to face with our friends and families at dinner because they would appreciate it greatly.
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I agree with MG Siegler. The use of smart phones at the dinner table has become a topic of debate in recent years, with opinions ranging from those who view it as a sign of the times to those who see it as a serious breach of etiquette. I think we all feel guilty for responding to emails and texts while having dinner with our family and friends, but we always say up front that it will only take a moment. The argument for using a phone at the dinner table is that it shows how quickly things are changing in our life. Work, social media, and personal interests are all entwined in the always-connected world we live in today. It’s common for us to get work-related texts or calls during dinner, so it’s crucial to be ready to reply quickly to these requests. However, there are so many valid concerns regarding the impact of phone use on mental health and relationships. Additionally, frequently looking at one’s phone can indicate ignorance or disrespect for others around us, particularly if we are around family, friends, or coworkers. To me, respect and balance are the most important factors. Striking a balance between being connected and being present is crucial, as is respecting people around us. This entails putting our phones away for significant occasions, such as family dinners or meetings, while appreciating the value of keeping connected and informed. When considering whether or not to use our phones at the dinner table, we should also take the situation and the company into account. It might be acceptable to often use our phones when we are with friends or coworkers, but it might be appropriate to save phone use for emergencies only when we are with family or close friends. Ultimately, the key is to find a balance that respects the importance of being present and engaged with those around us while also acknowledging the importance of connectivity in today’s world.
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When I’m eating dinner with my close friends or family, I try to put my phone aside and properly engage in the conversation. I want to give my full attention to the people around me, however, I don’t feel that it’s entirely rude to check your phone occasionally at the table. Above, Mona Chustz made a good point, there is a big difference between “fact-checking” and “checking out.” It’s true that looking up certain things on your phone can help enhance the current conversation. Your group may have a question or a thought that can be helped with a quick Google search. I still believe that it’s rude to be on your phone for an extended amount of time, especially if you’re texting or emailing other people. If you’re talking to someone who isn’t properly listening, it can quickly make you feel that what you’re saying is uninteresting or unimportant. You can’t properly engage with people that are checked out on their phones, many people space out and become completely unaware of their surroundings, which I feel defeats the purpose of going out to dinner. People should be aware of what’s being said or what’s going on when they’re out with their friends or family. Checking your phone at dinner is becoming more socially acceptable, and while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I think we should still all take some steps to prevent it from going too far.
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