Im a flipper and proud of it. In terms of a phone anyway.

I know smart phones can make life much easier, but I intentionally do not have one because of the temptation to look at it all the time. There are too many things in the world to see, hear, smell, touch, etc. that cannot be experienced on a screen.

A similar discussion was probably being had about the time televisions were becoming mainstream. . . not sure how many of those were breaking by being dropped though.

I remember the first couple of international/cross country road trips I took before cell phones -- I used to check back in at home via pay phones every couple days.

Cell phones provide an element of safety, guidance, and convenience. . . but at a price of obligation and dependency. I know I am odd, but I liked the challenge of looking at a map and finding my way to parts unknown; it always instilled a true feeling of freedom. Cell phones numb that feeling of freedom and adventure a bit -- kinda like scuba diving with a tether/air line to the surface vs. using a tank.

My wife thinks I am crazy when I bust out the map/atlas before we travel. I will not say she is crazy for having the phone though -- it would come in handy if we found ourselves stuck in the middle of nowhere. I guess there is a reason why do not hear many jokes about guys refusing to ask for directions at the gas station anymore. . .