The Reader is a bit of a philosopher. He tells of how his phone serves as a distraction from a certain habit, but there's a much more profound element to his actions.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself – what do you do?
I’m a civil engineering student. In my spare time I chill, listen to music, write novels, and work part-time – the usual.

 

Where abouts on the bus are we?
We’re adjacent to the back door exit.

 

Does this or any other section of the bus make you feel more inclined to use your phone?
I feel like if I’m sitting in the very back row of the bus, I’m with my mates. In that case, we’d be talking, and I’d be less inclined to use my phone…compared to when I’m sitting in the disability zone.

 

Why might you be more likely to use your phone while sitting in the disability zone?
I’d just be less likely to be around my mates in that area. When I sit there, it’s because the bus is more crowded up the back.

 

Your mates keep you off your phone. Would this suggest that your surroundings affect your phone usage?
When with strangers, I’m more likely to use it to avoid awkwardness. If I can’t make a situation less awkward, I’ll just completely avoid it by using my phone.

 

What kind of situation might that be?
Maybe if I was having small talk with someone and it wasn’t getting anywhere, turning to my phone is an indication that I want to stop talking.

 

Considering the way you use your phone on the bus, would you say that it’s an essential item to have?
On the bus?

Yes.
Absolutely – one hundred per cent. It’s the most important thing you could have.

 

The most important?
Without it, I’d feel insecure, to say the least. Unsafe, maybe? Bored, on top of that. Worried… Very anxious feelings here. Anything could happen! The bus could break down and you wouldn’t be able to call anyone – you’re screwed.

 

How would you imagine going about the bus ride without it?
I’d have to deal with the tedium of not having my phone. I guess the second thing is that if my friends aren’t there, I’d get a book out and write – that’s the only thing you can do – I’d just hope the bus doesn’t break down. I’d have to walk home!

 

What do you see now, as we observe our fellow commuters? Anyone with or without a phone?
I think at any given time, I’d say somewhere between 40...
– Do you include listening to music?

Yes.

Maybe 60 or 70 per cent are using their phones. ‘Cause sometimes the phone is out of sight, but you’re still technically using it when listening to music. But explicit phone usage – probably 40 per cent of commuters are doing this.

 

Do you ever find yourself generally observing the way others are using their phones on the bus?
Twice in a semester I might look over someone’s shoulder and see what they’re doing. When you’re occupied with your phone, you’re not really looking anywhere else.

 

Extras:

 

Are you a public smoker?
Yes, I am.

 

Do you ever feel the desire to have a cigarette as you’re riding the bus?
Sometimes…

 

Do you think that your phone might serve as a distraction from this desire?
Definitely. It’s a distraction to help conform to social expectations, like making use of time productively and obviously not smoking in enclosed spaces like this.

 

Could you elaborate on the relationship between your phone usage and conforming to time-productivity?
I think it’s a reasonable expectation [to be productive with time], and I think it’s one that’s ultimately better for society these days…rather than being lazy. Everyone’s mind should be proactive. It’s definitely more productive dealing with your phone than looking out the window, for example. It’s only worth looking out the window if there’s a spectacular view. That’s my final word.