# Blackberry Syndrome **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 9, 2010, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487 "2010-04-09T02:21:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![goodie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/839c29/32.png) [@goodie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/goodie)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2010, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/81 "2010-04-14T21:28:45Z")
The burlesque story is making my point, I think. For healthy, well adjusted monkeys, sex is not needed as often as grooming. Oh my, all these posts have got me nearly nit-free today… ---
**Author:** ![Vlad\_Igor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/7feea3/32.png) [@Vlad\_Igor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vlad_Igor)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2010, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/82 "2010-04-14T22:15:51Z")
I carry around a phone patch-dedicated HT that seems to have something akin to PSK31 included. This was posted via Hell on HF. ---
**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/83 "2010-04-15T00:16:17Z")
Purple Monkey Dishwasher. -posted via game of “Telephone” ---
**Author:** ![descamisado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@descamisado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/descamisado)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/84 "2010-04-15T00:27:16Z")
> [@daveg](#): > > At work some people will send text messages asking if you’re at your desk so they can call you. Sheesh !! > > Give a kid a hammer and everything becomes a nail. > > I’m trying to come up with a similar phrase for texting. Gve a k a hmr & evthg bcms a nal. ---
**Author:** ![Jolly\_Roger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/91b2a8/32.png) [@Jolly\_Roger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jolly_Roger)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/85 "2010-04-15T00:55:02Z")
> [@Jinx](#): > > I pity today’s English teachers. Language used to be art form. Thomas Jefferson must be rolling over in his grave. There is a reason he was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence, and it was not for good penmanship. And, if language is an art form, then today we are stuck with nothing more than graffiti. While I am not a master of literature I agree with you. I could go on about horror stories in education I saw as a recruiter, but really, its too depressing. (kids frsh out of high school getting SINGLE digit scores on the ASVAB). But its intriguing to me how younger folks cannot seem to go a single hour much less a day without texting. I know a shitload of people and I cannot for the life of me find a reason to be in constant communication with ANY of them. Maybe I’m just antisocial. ---
**Author:** ![Askance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/askance/32/8281_2.png) [@Askance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askance)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/86 "2010-04-15T03:57:59Z")
> [@Jinx](#): > > I pity today’s English teachers. Language used to be art form. Thomas Jefferson must be rolling over in his grave. There is a reason he was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence, and it was not for good penmanship. And, if language is an art form, then today we are stuck with nothing more than graffiti. I’m sorry, but this is bollocks. In Thomas Jefferson’s time the equivalent of that English class were illiterate. Education was a luxury that many parents saw as a waste of kids’ earning or working potential. The people with his writing skills do exist now; there was \*never a time \*when the average person wrote at his level. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/87 "2010-04-15T08:48:51Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > This is what I find so…weird. Sending an email or a text to Certain People, informing them that I will be arriving on the 8th at 9pm: a couple of minutes if the servers are real slow. Calling them on the phone: a minimum of half an hour. What’s not to understand? ---
**Author:** ![goodie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/839c29/32.png) [@goodie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/goodie)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/88 "2010-04-15T12:40:38Z")
I think that Jinx point was that even with the benefit of a 2nd world education (American Schools…) our newer generations are not as dedicated to learning the proper use of our language as he, and T.J., would like. He’s right, IMO. (snicker) I think this may be partly the fault of new technology. And partly the fault of gay marriage and illegal immigrants. (ARE there gay monkeys?) ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/89 "2010-04-15T13:30:03Z")
A few years back when the Blackberry attached to your belt became de rigueur amongst the management class, I bought one of [these](http://www.fisher-price.com/au/products/product.asp?id=35064), fashioned a clip out of a large paper clip and wore it hanging of my belt at work. It produced much merriment as there were so many gags I could play with it - stupid messages on the “screen”, making ringing noises mid-conversation and answering it. Then I would say “Sorry, I need to make this confidential” and I would stick the drawing pen in my ear and quietly mutter into the “Blackberry.” ---
**Author:** ![PupFishing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbe5ce/32.png) [@PupFishing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PupFishing)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/90 "2010-04-15T13:44:41Z")
It’s funny that people consider texting “communicating” when many studies have shown that only a small fraction of a messages actual meaning comes from the words used. The bulk of the information is transmitted through body language/facial expression and voice inflection. _sent from my video phone_ ---
**Author:** ![toodlepip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/97f17d/32.png) [@toodlepip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toodlepip)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/91 "2010-04-16T21:48:23Z")
What I really, really hate is that a lot of people expect you to respond to texts immediately. If you don’t, they get offended because you’re ignoring them, or they send “R U alive??” messages. Because it’s inconceivable that I might leave the phone at home or in the car for the day. Or that I might be paying attention to the people I’m actually spending time with, or in some other way trying to have a life. Message transcribed by archaeologists, from pictograms on a cave wall. ---
**Author:** ![tiescore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@tiescore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiescore)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/92 "2010-04-16T21:52:25Z")
You kids and your _technology_… bah humbug… Sent via chisel and stone tablet ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2010, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/93 "2010-04-16T22:12:29Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > Huh? > > _Sent via two soup cans tied together with string_ Pretty much where I’m at. Though for many a decade I was always on the side of cutting-edge tech, when it comes to cells I gave up quite a while back. I mean if typing a name for my contact list took forever and a day – freaking big fingers, puny keys and bad eyesight don’t make for a good combo – I figured trying to actually type messages and posts on these gadgets would take the better part of what I’ve got left on earth. So fuck it. I don’t. Nor do I respond to anyone that uses text to try to contact me. Can afford a proper call? Don’t waste my time. All that said, I realize I am getting into “cranky old man” age so that maybe a big part of my refusal to type on anything smaller than a 12" screen. And I do admit to marveling when watching my soon-to-be 20 year old kid work those keys at what looks like supersonic speed…but one more, fuck it, I’m with the OP all the way. PS-Sent from a FULL size Logitech wireless keyboard and looking at a 42" LG HD LCD screen. ---
**Author:** ![rivulus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/839c29/32.png) [@rivulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rivulus)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2010, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/94 "2010-04-17T00:56:34Z")
PUFF… PUFF… PUFF… puff puff puff… PUFF… PUFF… PUFF… _Sent via smoke signal_ ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2010, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/95 "2010-04-17T03:28:22Z")
The other place where texts are useful is if you are unable to talk but need to communicate. I was on a date last weekend and told my parents that I might be home for dinner depending on how the date went. After our third beer I realized I wouldn’t be coming home so I texted my dad. I forgot that he was new to cell phones but he still managed to figure it out and send me a reply. All without interrupting my conversation with the cute chick. That being said I don’t send more then 200 a month so I’m not exactly buried in my phone and the only reason I have seen that makes sense is one of my buddies who is dating multiple women is able to talk to all of them simultaneously without them having any clue. ---
**Author:** ![Lunchy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Lunchy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lunchy)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2010, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/96 "2010-04-17T03:49:54Z")
I hate texting. I will not consider dating some one who texts, its that annoying to me. A little story to share. 2 summers ago, my friend had a birthday party, well, there were roughly 20 people in attendance, and I would say 85% of the people there were texting OTHER people roughly 90% of the duration of the event. I mean come on, there are actual people here to talk with… ---
**Author:** ![alindallas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f17d59/32.png) [@alindallas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alindallas)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/97 "2010-04-19T05:11:56Z")
Texting is just a escalation of the phone fad. We like the toy so much that we rationalize our excesses by citing almost-plausible examples of true need. I do the same with my home computer. [message delayed due to hanging chad on fortran hard card] ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/98 "2010-04-19T10:06:01Z")
I wondered when we were due for our next “SDMB Mobile Phone Hate” thread. :rolleyes: I find text messaging to be an extremely useful way of keeping in touch with people for whom a phone call is too intrusive or unwieldy (for want of a better term). They’re not my sole (or even primary) means of communication, but they are useful, do have a purpose, and it’s not like there’s a legal requirement that they be spelt with missing letters or numbers in place of words etc… ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/99 "2010-04-19T10:53:23Z")
Yeah I am a great fan of SMS and Gmail chat. I like the brevity and the fact that you read and reply as time permits. A typical night out is arranged like this: Dinner? 5.30? See you. ---
**Author:** ![SpyOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@SpyOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpyOne)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487/100 "2010-04-19T13:44:50Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > This is what I find so…weird. I totally get it. I kinda hate talking to people on the phone. Perhaps there is some childhood trauma involved or something, but there it is. I can recall distinctly occasions when I was a teenager (more than 20 years ago) when I wanted to impart some information to a friend (say, “I found that book I was telling you about and will bring it to school for you tomorrow”), but didn’t really want a _conversation_. One-way communication: I impart information to you, with no need for response. Also (why I like message boards and email), it seems rude to interrupt for something so trivial. My phone rings, I answer it, pretty much regardless of what else I might be doing. When I go to the movies, I don’t just turn off the ringer, I leave my phone in the car, because just knowing that a call came in will distract me and interfere with my enjoyment of the film. But with email, you will get the message whenever you check your email, which is at _your_ convenience. So I would have loved some way to send and check email while I was on the go (if I had even had email back then. The Apple II didn’t really DO email). What I don’t get is the constant texting back and forth: if you are going to have a conversation, admit that and talk to each other. Half the time you are talking you aren’t sharing information anyway: it is just social petting, letting the other person know you are there. I don’t mean just your side of the conversation, either: half of the conversations teenagers have consists simply of providing the reassurance that you are friends, part of the same social group. You _belong_. We accept you, we accept you. One of us, one of us. 🙂 I suppose what I want is something to send and receive text messages that doesn’t tell me when I receive a text: I have to actually check. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackberry-syndrome/535487.md?page=6)