Posted on by Phil Strawn

The Rise Of The Teenage Techno-Zombies


It’s not a real word, but it should be.

I wrote this story some years ago, but I realize it’s as relevant today as it was then, perhaps more.

Recently, Momo and I were standing in a rather long and slow line at a sandwich shop during the lunch hour. We were treated to the bizarre and ridiculous behavior of three millennial teenage women. I hate the term “millennial,” but I guess it’s better than calling them dumb as a bag of rocks, little twits.

Each girl had a cell phone in their hand, tapping away. The man in front of them placed his order, then continued tapping away on his phone. The guy taking his order had his phone in hand, tapping and waiting on his customer. The people behind us were tapping on their phones. Looking down the line toward the checkout, everyone was looking and tapping on their cell phone. This could have been a good “Twilight Zone” episode if Rod Serling had still been around.

I focused on these three and realized they were texting and sending messages and attachments to each other. There was no talking, just communication over the airwaves, mind-melding like Spock. One girl giggled, asking her friend,” Did he really say that to you?” Her friend giggled back. It’s odd how young women communicate with each other. Giggles, tongue clicks, half-spoken words, broken sentences, rolling of the eyes, flicking of the hair. It’s a secret language.

I watched them eat their lunch. All three are eating and tapping away on that damn device. No one looked up or spoke except to take a bite of a sandwich. Then, head down, continuing to tap-tap. Complete social breakdown. I wonder if they can write in cursive? Or do they print like most young people? Cursive is “our language”. Old timers know the value of the free-flowing wrist and a beautiful writing instrument, transposing our thoughts onto paper. These young ones just tap-tap-tap.

I shouldn’t be so hard on this twenty-something generation. After all, I am writing this on a laptop.

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14 Replies to “The Rise Of The Teenage Techno-Zombies”

  2. A couple of Thanksgivings ago, Bill and I sat on the couch at our son’s house observing every other person in the room on their cell phones. The turkey was getting a tan in the over and the parade was on tv but no one was watching. We were astounded. When the bird was done, I went in the kitchen and grabbed one of my daughter-in-law’s wicker baskets. I took it back in the living room and went around to each person asking them to please turn off their phone and put it in the basket until we were done with dessert. The teens balked but knew better than to say no. We had a very enjoyable dinner filled with real conversation and laughter. By the end of dessert no one was in a rush to turn on their phone. That has now become a tradition, with our 12 yr old grandson manning the basket.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. What a great idea. All family gatherings should do the same. I know I was making fun of the absurdity of it all, but it’s true. It’s become absurd. Great response. Thanks, Nancy.

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Thanks for the rational idea. We might give that a try too. I forgot to mention the little tablets that the small children now have as a techno babysitter while the parents enjoy their meals. It works, keeps them quiet and entertained, but it’s absurd that it happens.

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  3. As a life-saving time out moment for mom and dad, especially in a restaurant, I’ll give the toddlers a pass. Like anything, the techno nanny’s need time limits. Our granddaughter (5yo) has learned the meaning … and remembered … of the words camouflage and evolution. Tablet time well spent. She still prefers being outside digging for bugs! Fine by me!

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    1. Yep, they do learn from the techno-tablets. Our granddaughters, 8 and 6 have them, but they don’t spend half a day in front of a small screen, like yours, they prefer being outside getting filthy. In my child rearing days, it was a coloring book or hot wheels cars that kept them entertained in a restaurant. I will say that kids nowadays are smarter at a younger age, so that’s a good thing.

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    1. MSN has it but it’s not good on punctuation. WP has everything for an upgrade price, which I will not pay. Not much choice out there, my phone is too small and my fingers not nimble.

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  5. Around 10 years ago Bailey and his friends were sitting in our living room…they were texting each other sitting on the couch! Of course I made fun of them and shamed them a bit…but yea…it’s killed spelling and verbal communication.

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