I'm traveling with family this weekend in a touristy place and have been out in public in crowded areas. I am really shocked by the number of people who have loud, personal conversations on the phone in speaker mode. This ranges from walking down the sidewalk, to in line for washrooms, to seated restaurant dining.

I've heard people say that it's because the phone speaker breaks (for their ear) but I've never had that happen in all the years I've destroyed phones and never had a friend or colleague say that happened. Other people say it's because the glass is cracked and they worry about cutting their face, etc.

My personal bias is this is inconsiderate but then I ask myself how is it different from talking to a person next to them, say. I'm willing to be change my mind here.

People who do this, please explain what's going on so I can sleep at night. :)

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[–] mysoulishome 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

Curious what country are from from and where you are you visiting? This has been an annoying phenomenon for 10-15 years but it seems like it used to be moreso an elderly person thing. Maybe it’s the fact that gen x and millennials (who have had smartphones most of their adult lives) are now getting older and losing their hearing?

Personally I think it’s mostly a courtesy issue. People lack consideration. If you get a call walk somewhere else. Bring headphones with you. Or just keep the conversation short and call back when you are in private. I always see people get calls and expect them to say “hey Paula I’m at a soccer game so let me call you back” but often times they just fucking chat away… Like we’re watching our kids play soccer, this is not your living room, and I don’t wanna hear your goddamn conversation in the background. Watch the game. Or on the subway I personally would just want to keep a conversation short so everyone is not listening to my conversation. I don’t want them listening and judging for my sake (semi-introvert) and I don’t want to annoy them for their sake. Lots of people just lack self awareness like there are other people around who don’t want to be involved. I don’t want to hear your conversation because then it’s in my head and I don’t want your dumb shit taking up valuable brain space.

Example, at a recent soccer practice a dad conversation talking about work shit included confirming “Greggy is handling the refi.” Just a fucking ridiculous statement. An adult called Greggy and the fact that Greggy is handling the refi. I would never let someone called Greggy manage finances. You’re fucking Greg or you are limited to financial transactions up to and including milk money and nothing more. I don’t want this in my head. Fuck that guy.

I hope it gets better, I’m not a fan of hating on Gen Z who is mostly under 18 at this point…so I’m having faith they will be considerate adults and common courtesy, self awareness, caring about other people, mental health support all that shit will be intrenched in their values. TikTok influencers aside…that is not all kids.

[–] NikkiDimes 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Gen-Z is majority over 18 now. 11-26, 8 years above 18, 7 below 😱

But yeah, agreed.

[–] mysoulishome 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Gotcha. With a 15 year old in the house all I think of his her and all of her friends 😂

[–] NikkiDimes 1 points 1 year ago

I'm right there with you. Im a millennial in my early thirties, but my roommate is 25, and I forget sometimes that he's gen z 😳

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I agree. I don't know if I've ever seen some under the age of like 50 do this? I could have a bias too though.

[–] IamLost 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Former friend of mine in his early 40s does this. I've even confronted him about it because it's caused some embarrasing moments. He seems to think all of us (his friends) want to join in on his phone conversations or he wants to be the center of attention. He was a big asshole and narcissist.