[Sophia M.]

General Discussion Thread 08.16.2025​

Hey, GrayViners!

There was a time when a ringing phone meant racing to the kitchen wall or digging through the couch for the cordless. No buzzing in our pockets, no constant scrolling—just letters, landlines, and meeting friends when you said you would.

Some folks say life felt simpler back then: more eye contact, fewer interruptions, and maybe even better sleep. Others remember the challenges—getting lost on the road without GPS, waiting days for a reply, or missing important calls.

Was life really better without cell phones, or do you prefer the way they connect us now?

Image source: Unsplash

Share your reflections—I’d love to hear the little stories (the surprise phone calls, handwritten notes, or how you managed without Google Maps!).

May your memories dial up something special,
Sophia

 

[jpop0753]

Our 27-year-old son moved to Ohio and thanks to technology he and I have coffee together every Sunday morning via video call. It is nice to be able to see him and talk to him in real time.

 

[Hello Kitty]

I worked on Capitol Hill on 9/11. We were horrified and thought we were surely next. My only means of communication was my government issued cellphone. After getting my car I was able to contact my boss after several attempts (lines were clogged). My daughters were in school with no phones. (I immediately bought them phones later). It was frightening. I will try to never be without a cellphone and neither will I let my loved ones be without! My peace of mind is worth every penny!

 

[Dinah]

At ag 72, I personally believe life was better, because people had to make face to face contact, no texting, you had to either speak face to face, or correspond by snail mail, hugs felt good, a smile could warm your heart and make your day, modern conveniences have broken up family time, we need human touch, words and gathering. Dinah Khan

 

[Chuckwagon1260]

Now, after a debilitating stroke, I prefer today's methods. Pay bills online, note to people ASAP, shop with some speed. I peruse the internet with impunity, (for what THEY will allow!). It's nice now, for those of us with limited mobility and the lack.

But I yearn for a slow down, that will never happen.

But such is evolution. We are bound for a unknown future of fear of the unknown, or what governments and secrecy entities aren't telling us.

Fates preserve us!

 

[NIBOR0]

I use my Smartphone as just that, a smart phone. I'm not one of those who have their nose glued to the screen constantly. I'm only on Facebook on my home laptop. I have used it to play Solitaire while waiting in a doctor's office. I also use MASH to guide any road trips I make, even if it's local. I find it's better than Google Maps. I honestly don't know what I would do without it (except get lost wherever I go). It gives me peace of mind in case I were to have a breakdown on the side of the road.

 

[Pattij50]

Funny I was just thinking about that last night. I firmly believe that life was better before. People talked to each other. Life seemed calmer with not all this tension and stress.

 

[Cindy k]

I have three grown children and three grandchildren. I am so blessed to also have a great granddaughter. I care for her in my home durning the week. Two is proving to be a challenge. But I would not change a thing. She is literally of my life.

 

[Wiseoldone]

The 50s and 60s were a different time, and good for then. Growing and change are good, it helps us to grow. Technology is good if used properly

 

[Gayle B.]

I feel rather ambivalent about this topic. On one hand there was a more appropriate response with people. We spoke on the phone. We wrote letters to relatives and friends. We sent greeting cards to loved ones. I got together face to face with my friends and family. We didn’t need to know who was calling us. Things were more friendly and we answered every call possible. There was nothing wrong with that.
As an older person I appreciate the fact that with a cell phone I can contact whom ever I want or need to. The old ‘I’ve fallen and I can’t get up’ seems more important now. It would appear that we check out who is calling before we answer it. We all screen calls now. We don’t send as many greeting cards and we certainly do not send hand written letters as we did before. Our children aren’t taught how to write in cursive anymore. We’re so tied to our devices that how do younger people sign for a lease or to sign a mortgage or loan. Will we never sign our pay checks again? Or anything other than sending electronic payments for everything? I appreciate what technology has done. We can have virtual videos with our healthcare providers. We can have any delivered like groceries. I can read books and play games on the phone. I really don’t want to go backwards There is much to be thankful for having a good phone at my disposal.
So you can see why I’m so conflicted about this.
Sorry for my rat. I’m passionate about this matter.

 

[Hazeleyes]

I do like a lot about the old days of writing letters, and telephone calls. With technology I do like the GPS better as trying to read maps or paper notes to get from place to place proved to be a bit difficult at times.
Now a day I see that to many people have there eyes on the phone constantly texting and not paying attention while walking and crossing the street.

 

[Gibb]

I love to be connected to family near and.far. I don't worry about long distance charges and waiting until certain hours to make long distance calls. My kids moved 15 minutes away and they were considered long distance. I'm sure I pay more for my phone plan but that's ok.

 

[BarbF]

I enjoy using my cell phone to contact my son when he is in Costa Rica. When we travel (we do that a lot), I enjoy using a paper road map! I love watching the street/roads coming up, and seeing where we have been!
I love stopping at historical sites, roadside areas for impromptu picnics, and seeing things maybe others don’t think are great, but I do!
There are times, my cell phone comes in handy, but I totally enjoy my time without it! Unless I am expecting a very important phone call, my cell phone is never at the table! When the nieces and nephews come over, their phones and tablets never get to come to our mealtime!