When I was checking in for an airline flight recently, the person ahead of me in the check-in line was engrossed in a cell phone conversation. As the person approached the counter, the airline employee pointed to the large sign that read, “Please stop cell phone conversations before checking in.”

The person ceased his call and proceeded to complain about how the policy was inconveniencing him.

Now, one might think that it would be common sense and common courtesy to stop a phone conversation when checking in for an airline flight-or engaging in any type of “face to face” transaction, for that matter.

However, such a policy obviously had to be implemented for a reason.

“Please turn off your cell phones” seems to be a common request at different events these days. In public places, it often seems as if a ring tone concert is occurring with all the different cell phones ringing simultaneously.

What does it say about our society and cell phone use that people actually have to be asked to stop using their cell phones? In many instances, common courtesy and respect seem to have decreased with the growing use of cell phones.

The use of cell phones has become so prevalent, that cell phones are almost like a lifeline for many people. When “leaving home,” people not only take their keys, but also take their cell phones with them.

After all, cell phones are a convenient way to communicate. For instance, it is great to be able to let someone know that you are running late. Cell phones help us get through the day more informed and provide safety capabilities.

I think that cell phones are needed in many circumstances, but I think that they are often used to counteract boredom. It is always funny when a cell phone rings in a public bathroom-and a person takes the call.

Do we really need to broadcast our conversations to everyone around us? At times, it is a little unnerving that with a cell phone, people can have access to you at anytime in any place.

I think that it is often forgotten that there was a life before cell phones, and people actually were actually able to live without them.

It is hard for me to imagine what life would be like without a cell phone these days. For one thing, I think life would be much more simple inB many ways.