When it comes to the best movies ever made, Steven Spielberg's film about the cute, little alien that gets stranded on earth has to top most lists. Not only was it a fantastic story with phenomenal visual effects (for its time), but it was the launching pad for Reeses Pieces candy, Drew Barrymore's career, and the ever-popular phrase "E.T. phone home."
While that line is known to just about everyone over the age of 30, the way we use cell phones these days, if they ever do a remake of that classic, the writers best change it to "E.T. text home!"
Despite being called cell phones, it seems most people are using these devices for texting rather than actually making a call.
Just the other day, there was a get-together at a sports bar to watch a San Francisco Giants playoff baseball game. Upon arriving at the table, not one friend looked up. All three of them were too busy texting.
Looking at them all slamming away with their fingers, the first thought was perhaps they needed a sarcastic text message stating: "Hey guys! Great to see you again!"
An order for a cold beverage was placed with the nice waitress before the first person finally put his phone down. (Course it was placed right in front of himself, too, so he could pounce on the next text to come his way.) Not until then, did the first eye-to-eye, verbal greeting, the type our parents rigorously instilled in us, take place.
While it was a fun night catching up with old friends and cheering the local team to victory, it was continuously interrupted as each of them, over and over again, snatched up the phone and pounded away on the keyboard.
Fifteen or so years ago, we had to use pay phones to call and check in with family and friends. Then technology allowed us to do so from a hand-held device. Now, it seems calling has become a thing of the past as it has become too simple and easy to type and send a short printed message.
Throw in all the social media outlets people are obsessed with utilizing as the main form of communication, and it's become somewhat of a rarity to see someone actually hold a phone up to his or her ear these days.
It's a surprise anyone even wants to meet face-to-face anymore. With the love of texting and connecting via the many interactive Internet tools and websites, it's a surprise anyone even leaves the house.
Article comments