Cellphones, just like Alchohol, need to be regulated.

Ever since the first iPaqs came out I was hooked to mobile computing. First (2001) an iPaq HX series, some Windows mobile phones, and in 2005 the HTC phones came etc. Traveled by train a lot and remember being the smug hipster MSN/IRC chatting away in the train while everybody was still reading newspapers and using T9 SMS etc.

Then in 2007 the iPhone came out, and more, and more. By 2013 I started to get tired of it. It started feeling like an addiction, never enjoying the countryside when traveling always glued to the screen that got bigger and bigger and brighter. After the 8th iPhone (5) I stopped. Got a "dumb" phone with HSDPA tether option only so I can pair to my Macbook when I need to get some work done on a proper platform.

Now I really notice late-adopters like my grandmother grabbing their smartphones the whole time. It's a rude practice, it's actually pretty anti-social.

I feel saturated by smartphones.

Excessive phone usage is bad. But regulating it is a bit invasive. I can understand regulating using a phone while operating heavy (and dangerous) machinery, much in the same way you are not allowed to drive while operating a phone. But leave me alone in my spare time. I can put the phone away, but sometimes I want to use it all day. In much the same way, I have no trouble limiting my childrens usage and teach them that computers and the like are not something that should consume you.

Since practically the beginning of human history, mankind has fantasized about instantanious long-distance communication -- telepathy, mind-stones, oracles. And now that we are on the precipice of realizing that fantasy for all -- young and old, rich and poor -- you want to regulate it? So that you can have a better conversation over a cup of coffee?

Sorry, I'm busy talking to someone more interesting on the other side of the planet. Deal with it.

I can guess that your grandmother is grabbing her phone since it is the best way she can communicate with her older friends (which may or may not be home bound or far away).

I don't think it so much as being anti-social, but a more visual way of people showing that they have higher social priorities than the current situation. If they really enjoyed the conversation/activity/ or even the people they are with, they would ignore the phone.

While I'm not addicted to my phone (I often leave it at home ) I do use it on occasion as a way to 'escape' social situations that are not interesting. Dull conversation, lack of activity, or a situation where I've been dragged into some social obligation. Would do the same thing with books before cell phones.