Nowadays, mobile phones are everywhere, seemingly controlling people’s behaviour and limiting the interactions and experiences people have. Some have likened the antisocial characteristics associated with mobile use with that of smoking, and state that mobiles should therefore be banned in certain areas. I partially agree, as mobile use can show antisocial behaviour, but I do not think that laws should be made to ban them for social reasons.

Admittedly, choosing to interact with a smartphone instead of other people is certainly antisocial. Personally, after running out of mobile data for the month, I looked up from my phone while commuting on public transit and took notice of how many others were glued to their phones. The amount was staggering, with almost everyone using a mobile. Some campaigns and advertisements have even advocated against such antisocial behaviour by showing people at a restaurant using their phones and not eating.

However, the choice to be social is a personal one, not one that can be imposed against a person’s will. I recently went to a dinner out with my partner, and neither of us had service within the restaurant. What ensued was a delightful meal full of laughter and conversation. Regardless of how pleasant the meal was, regulating social behaviour is not justified and should be left in the hands of private businesses and citizens. For instance, movie theatres can certainly ask patrons not to use mobiles during a movie, but governments cannot restrict people from checking email during dinner.

In conclusion, social interaction can be lost when using a mobile phone instead of enjoying the company of others. However, banning the use of phones is not justifiable.