Watch above: If you are constantly on your smart phone or iPad and want to stop during meals, there’s an app for that. Meaghan Craig introduces us to DinnerMode and tells us why some people feel it defeats its purpose.
SASKATOON – We’ve all been guilty of it, some of us are even repeat offenders. Texting, tweeting or returning office emails on smartphones instead of socializing with those around you.
According to local servers, they see it more often than not.
“Every table, every day. It’s a norm, that’s society for you,” said Annie Armstrong, who has served off and on for 16 years and currently works at Alexander’s Restaurant & Bar.
Everyone from college students to couples, the art of conversation has been replaced by iPhone exchanges.
“I’ve often asked are you texting each other, what’s the point of going out for dinner if you’re just going to be on your phone,” added Armstrong.
One university student grabbing a bite to eat was taking in the atmosphere and admitted to being new to town. Next to his plate topped with a beef dip and fries was his iPhone that he said he checks when he needs to but goes by a general rule when eating in the company of others.
“Generally, don’t bring it out unless you’re trying to show someone something because you know it’s kinda rude just to ignore someone,” remarked Bob Zwarich, who is from Texas.
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For those struggling to stop the urge to constantly look at their cell, there’s a new app for that.
DinnerMode is a free app that let’s you set the timer, flip your phone over face down and fails you if you pick it up again before your dinner date is over. It’s a good idea for some people, said a table of five conversing without a single cell in sight.
“For some people but I also think it’s kinda sad that you need an app to tell you not be on your phone, I think that’s kinda letting technology take over your world,” said Lindsay Tenaski.
“When you’re out with your family and friends, you’re out with your family and friends for a reason.”
According to Daphne Taras, dean of the Edwards School of Business, on one hand a person is using the device to free themselves of it but are very leashed to it at the same time.
“It’s a very contradictory message that you have to use the device to tell you not to use the device, it’s very odd.”
Experts also say that when someone loses their concentration in the moment that they check their cell phone, studies have shown it takes an estimated 15 minutes to get back into the same state of concentration they were in before.
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Taras also understands why it’s hard not to be glued to technology especially when there’s no longer a division between work and play.
“Our lives have become braided, at one time we had a division between our private lives and our work lives,” remarked Taras.
“When we went home from work, we stopped working and now both at work and at home, people are integrating all their roles seamlessly.”
All day people are multi-processing said Taras and there is no longer a division between work and play but there should be.
“The benefit is that you’re more present, you’re in the now. The disadvantage is you’re jonesing for the fix so people are having an awfully hard time unplugging, it used to be that they could self-regulate and stop themselves and now they’re very addicted, it’s an addictive behaviour, there’s no reason to continuously check but people do.”
Armstrong says the best piece of advice she has for folks coming in for a bite, “Personally, I think it should stay in the purse or in the car even, I really do. You can always get back to those people later, if it’s important you will.”
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