After sitting at Bookers BBQ joint the other day at lunch, I couldn’t help but notice that we are all turning into a bunch of mindless Zombie like creatures.

I looked around the room to see two tables of people all texting on their phones at once either answering or sending a message.

I don’t know if they were texting each other but it sure looked strange. This kind of stuff would be like four people talking on the telephone while at dinner, certainly not allowed in my family, but texting has become the norm.

I did a little research because it seemed so strange to me when right after I noticed the people at the table next to me I did it myself.

It turns out that cell phone use is contagious like a cold, about 40 percent of people are more likely to check their phone within ten seconds if a friend has just done the same.

The University of Michigan did extensive research on the habits of cell phone users and say its like a social ‘cue’ now to do a quick glance after a friend does and then the entire table thinks its acceptable so they dive in as well.

Take a look around when you are out today or tonight at dinner and you will see exactly what they are talking about.

Back in the old days my dear old mom Noreen would consider that rude, like watching TV during family time, but now a days with computers and X boxes there really isn’t any family time.

Many people feel alienated when someone else starts reading or sending a text, especially if two people are doing it in a group of three, so it kind of makes it contagious, Its unfortunate but there is no cure for this spreading decay of social gatherings.

Did someone just say “Put your phone away” Fat chance I texted.

-Ger