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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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10

Cell Refuseniks Hail Independent Life

They don't respond to every beck and call

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(Newser) – Most of the remaining few Americans who don't have cell phones are elderly or unable to afford one—but a tiny minority within that minority actively refuse to get one. Life without interruptions and being a slave to a tiny screen is preferable, the "refuseniks" tell the New York Times, and is well worth the hassle of having to deal with pay phones and arranging meetings with friends long in advance.

Complaints about the intrusiveness of cell phones are common among users, but few would consider joining the ranks of the unreachable. "Ambivalent networkers bristle at all their gadget-facilitated connectivity, but don’t give it up,” said one analyst  who estimates that refuseniks make up only 5% of the 15% of Americans without cell phones. “The cell refuseniks are making a statement that they control their availability.”

Some 85% of American adults now have cell phones. A very few without them consider themselves cell phone
Some 85% of American adults now have cell phones. A very few without them consider themselves cell phone "refuseniks."   (Shutter Stock)
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I feel I benefit by living in the moment and not having a ring or a buzz or an inclination to always look at the screen.
- Gregory Han, a 34-year-old
technology writer

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10 comments
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DarkFrancis
Oct 23, 09 3:44 AM CDT
And this on the day that Newser releases its iPhone app. Reply
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BoZo
Oct 23, 09 8:58 AM CDT
That is either a coincidence or proof of bob's existence.
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oldgoat
Oct 23, 09 4:31 AM CDT
We have a cell phone but hardly ever use it. In fact i don't know of anybody that even calls us on it. They either call on the land line or not at all. They are nice to have when away from home just in case you need to find out some information or maybe for emergencies. I for one kind of pity the people that can't be without their cellphones. I'd hate to be that tied to something. Reply
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shonangreg
Oct 23, 09 5:13 AM CDT
I don't answer emails or calls to my cellphone when I don't feel like it. You can use devices the way *you* want to and not just follow what the ads and the kids and facebook says all the cool people are doing. It's mass "consumerist" brainwashing it is.
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offspringdude235
Oct 23, 09 7:33 AM CDT
My father absolutely hates his cellphone for these reasons. He has one, but it is pretty much never on. I think I should show him this article. Reply
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