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Today, all our wives and husbands have Blackberries or…

“Today, all our wives and husbands have Blackberries or iPhones or Android devices or whatever-the progeny of those original 950 and 957 models that put data in our pockets. Now we all check their email (or Twitter, or Facebook, or Instagram, or) compulsively at the dinner table, or the traffic…” quote by Ian Bogost
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“Today, all our wives and husbands have Blackberries or iPhones or Android devices or whatever-the progeny of those original 950 and 957 models that put data in our pockets. Now we all check their email (or Twitter, or Facebook, or Instagram, or) compulsively at the dinner table, or the traffic light. Now we all stow our devices on the nightstand before bed, and check them first thing in the morning. We all do. It's not abnormal, and it's not just for business. It's just what people do. Like smoking in 1965, it's just life.”

Ian Bogost

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote observes how ubiquitous smartphones have become, likening their constant presence to a social habit similar to smoking.

In simple terms: Smartphones are now a normal, pervasive habit.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and manage device dependence.

Themes

technology habit social behavior

Mood

reflective critical observational

Type

philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • dinner table
  • commute
  • morning routine
  • nighttime
  • work
  • null

Key Concepts

digital addiction attention economy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does constant connectivity affect your relationships?
  • What boundaries can you set for device use?
A Different Perspective

Dependency can reduce face‑to‑face interaction and mental focus.

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