In Defense of the Smartphone II

     The conquering of the world by smartphones has certainly been one of the most visible and most significant technological changes we have witnessed in our lifetimes.   

      Opinions on whether it has been a change for the better most definitely differ.

      A month ago I suggested that we post on this site an intelligent and interesting, though in my view wrongheaded, screed by James Marriott, who thinks the smartphone has been a giant step backwards. Then we published my rebuttal, in which I argued that the smartphone is just another new technology that makes old folks nervous but ends up broadening horizons. And, because smartphones have become such an important part of our lives, we published my friend and colleague Neil Offen’s own thoughtful attack on the smartphone and its consequences: a rebuttal of my rebuttal.

      But this is a big subject and, given the time we’re all spending on our phones, an important one. There’s more I want to say—this time in a satirical vein, or at least an attempt at a satirical vein . . .