Are we raising a generation of nincompoops?

[trillium13 84]

There are also plenty of older people who get intimidated with new technology and refuse to use a computer because "they don't know how". It is just fair to say that Nincompoops come in all ages.

I know some of these. My favorites are the ones who are actually proud of the fact that they are totally helpless/dependent/just plain stupid. They wear it like a badge of honor. "I will never have a mobile phone!!!" they announce proudly. Really?

[SMR 368]

I know some of these. My favorites are the ones who are actually proud of the fact that they are totally helpless/dependent/just plain stupid. They wear it like a badge of honor. "I will never have a mobile phone!!!" they announce proudly. Really?

I know there are some people that flaunt their own stupidity, dependence, and helplessness. But I don't think not having a mobile phone is really a good indicator of that. Of course it depends on why you chose not to have the phone. But not having a mobile phone can actually be a sign of independence and the ability to take care of yourself. You don't need to be plugged in or be able to call someone all the time. You can fix your own problems. Of course, if they don't want to figure out how it works, that's a little different. But most people who don't have mobile phones make a choice to not be available to others at a moment's notice and to be able to solve problems for themselves.

[natty bumppo 289]

I know there are some people that flaunt their own stupidity, dependence, and helplessness. But I don't think not having a mobile phone is really a good indicator of that. Of course it depends on why you chose not to have the phone. But not having a mobile phone can actually be a sign of independence and the ability to take care of yourself. You don't need to be plugged in or be able to call someone all the time. You can fix your own problems. Of course, if they don't want to figure out how it works, that's a little different. But most people who don't have mobile phones make a choice to not be available to others at a moment's notice and to be able to solve problems for themselves.

the freedom to NOT have phone with you at all times ...

[trillium13 84]

I know there are some people that flaunt their own stupidity, dependence, and helplessness. But I don't think not having a mobile phone is really a good indicator of that. Of course it depends on why you chose not to have the phone. But not having a mobile phone can actually be a sign of independence and the ability to take care of yourself. You don't need to be plugged in or be able to call someone all the time. You can fix your own problems. Of course, if they don't want to figure out how it works, that's a little different. But most people who don't have mobile phones make a choice to not be available to others at a moment's notice and to be able to solve problems for themselves.

Not really the point I was trying to make, but ok.