Digital Noise

I used the term "digital noise" several years ago to describe people distracted by their cell phones or Blackberry. I just returned from a vacation with my family where we were completely disconnected from any "connected" devices. I had my iPad, but I literally used it to only read books as I lounged on the deck by the pool. I observed the behaviors of people throughout the week. I'd see an entire family or group of friends sitting in close proximity of each with their gaze constantly on their smartphone. On the cruise ship, it wasn't as common. I suspect that was due to the excessive prices that they'd be subject to for using the ship's data connection. However, traveling back through airports where people are connected via their data plan or free wifi the number of people gazing into their smartphone increased by at least an order of magnitude.

I'm not one to judge people for excessively using their smartphones, but it looks like there is some addictive strain driving people to be constantly checking social media.