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They say that now up to 50% of all marriages end in divorce. Just think for a second. One out of every other couple you see on the streets is bound for splitsville. Wow, what a scary thought. It means that nearly half the populace out there blow a wad of money on their wedding, only to shell out a ton more in lawyer fees. That's not to mention their friends, who first spend mad cash on wedding gifts, and then an untold amount of dollars on booze to console their newly divorced buddy.

So I ask, "Why is that?" Is our society so corrupt that we can't hold two people together in matrimony? Could it be shows like Temptation Island, where they set it up so that couples would cheat on each other? Maybe it's the constant bombardment of explicit sexual images in movies, television, and on the Internet; at a rate the likes of which we've never been exposed to before? We live in a sick world today where self-gratification is more important than sensitivity towards society at large. I mean, look at Richard on Survivor 1, didn't he parade around in his birthday suit just because "He wanted to.", without caring how it could affect his fellow campers? That's a pretty good idea how self-obsessed we've become right?

Yet, we still feel and know it's wrong to cheat on your spouse or significant other. We know it's a cop out when couples do to not attempt to work things out, instead of just giving up because so far, it hasn't worked out. Even then, divorces are so common place now, that shameful, silenced whispers no longer accompany the "D-word". So what could be the downfall of the santity of marriage, and in believing it when we utter, "Till death do us part..."?

May I present you: the lowly cellphone. You read right. The portable and ultra convenient cellular telephone. It is the harbinger of ill tidings to come.

You see, the cellphone discourages commitments between people. It wasn't so long ago that friends would plan to meet up 2-3 days in advance. A group would decide to catch a movie the week before, and everyone would agree to a set place and/or time to meet. Now, with the convenience that goes with being in virtual constant contact, everybody says instead, "Call me on my cell, and I'll let you know."

The problem wouldn't be as widespread if cellular technology wasn't so accessible. Unfortunately, It's become the reverse "chicken and egg" theorem. The more people who use the technology, the cheaper the phone guys can mass produce it. The more phones, the more users, and the cheaper it gets. And so on, until the lowest common denominator of cellphone user is reached. That is, even junior high students can now be seen carrying a phone of their own, since it's so cheap to maintain a monthly plan.

Evolution dictates: the more younger it affects, the more its generation will adopt the pitfalls. So many kids now already have a phone, that instead of making verbal agreements and sticking to it, they now decided that "If s/he calls me, I'll make up my mind then." This has bred total uncommited behaviour that carries on to teen and adulthood. No longer is anyone required to keep their word. At the last minute, friend A will call friend B, to cancel on a date or event. Just because they know their party can be reached at all times.

Hence, back to the original problem of marriage. We're so used to the "last minute bail out", our attitude towards "The Promise" have been altered, thanks in no small part to the humble cellphone. Instead of wading through thick and thin together as a couple, we can use the concept of the cellphone, and call the whole thing off at any slight hint of a problem. "Sorry love," calls Jonny Nogood. "I can't stand the way you snore. Astalavista, baby." *Click*..... bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

I have been a victim of the cellphone craze. I too carry my phone at all times, even to the washroom, in fear of not being in touch. I find it humorous sometimes when people get upset because they can't reach me on my cell. I think "Yeah, but if I didn't have a phone, you wouldn't be able to find me anyway, so what's the big deal?" In the old days of regular telephone, people would just say "Too bad I couldn't reach you, we went out." Now, everyone's a little more bothered when you can't be reached, even if they're just thinking of "Should we go out?" How sad.

I don't regret getting a cellphone, Since I don't have a home phone, it has become the primary method of contacting me. Still I just wish that people would learn to plan ahead more often, instead of using the cellphone as a crutch. I vow to keep my word, and plan in advance, sticking to the program, no matter the cost. Will you?

....of course, there's also the advent of the e-mail, which further deteriorate our inter-personal relationship skills. But that's another topic, for another time.




posted by losir at 1:20 AM