[Joe 6-pack]

Back when cell phones were novelties and status symbols, I assumed people spoke loudly on them to ensure everybody around them knew they had a cell phone.

I've still not completely abandoned that theory.

[Steve_Seattle]

I've resisted owning a smart phone (I have a flip-phone) because I can't stand the centrality they've achieved in our society. People - especially young people - are glued to them, staring at them all day long even when in the company of friends.

But now they are becoming almost mandatory, and it is hard to do business in some places without one; some parking lots require that you pay using a phone app, and some sports arenas require a smart phone to get your ticket and be admitted to the arena. .

[DUMBGRUNT]

_”I’ve still not completely abandoned that theory.”

On the train, many used a language other than English.
Guessing Arabic was popular.

[MaskedMan]

With the advent of loud cellphone talkers, I had the idea of a 900# business that you could call to “compete” with the loud talkers standing nearby. Through a menu of choices, you could pick an important profession (and even foreign language) and you would hear your scripted half of an important phone conversation you were to then repeat loudly for all around to hear. Want to sound like a neuro-surgeon, an astronaut, an important Wall Street broker? “1-900-Wanna-Be”. Unfortunately, the idea never made it off the drawing board to even test out. Was fun thinking of the possibilities though!

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I have an iPhone and T-Mobile. Conversations are mostly “Can you hear me now? How about now? How’s this? Sorry, I’m getting every fifth word. Now you’re underwater. That’s better...hold it. What? Repeat that! I heard “mffgs....zxxxrttu” again. Say again!”

From my very first Motorola StartTAC in 1999, cell phone service has been crap and it’s gotten far worse.

I talk loud because I know the technology works better when I yell at it and show it who is the boss.