Every year, around 20 of my friends gather over the new year. For the last 5 years, we've returned to a particular pub which has a large enough area for us all to sit, talk, and play the board games we bring. We spend all afternoon together.
-
-
Prikaži ovu nit
-
We're all "internet friends" who first met online in 1999/2000, and our annual gathering is an opportunity for people across the country to get together in person. Not everyone can always make it, but we try to share back photos with others online.
Prikaži ovu nit -
Yesterday we gathered in our usual place, which happens to be a
@samsmithsbeer pub. Except this year there was a difference: numerous signs have gone up around the pub declaring it to be a "mobile, laptop, and tablet-free zone".pic.twitter.com/KpA6hNCNbT
Prikaži ovu nit -
We spent our afternoon as usual, chatting away, catching up, and playing some games as a group. All excellent fun, and in line with the pub's declaration of wanting "our traditional pub to be a haven for social conversation".
Prikaži ovu nit -
At a few points though, some of us used our devices as a conversation enhancement, finding information, illustrating points, taking photos to record. Several times the staff came over to tell us to stop using devices, which we did, until I asked for more information on the policy
Prikaži ovu nit -
The policy, at least in this pub is black and white. If you want to use devices, don't come in. No kinds of usage are allowed, "there are no grey areas, it's black and white". The staff member then started to talk about the evils of digital addiction.
Prikaži ovu nit -
That social media builds in dopamine hits, I agreed with. But we were confused. We asked how our afternoon of socialising was made any the worse by occasionally bringing out devices, and why they were chastising us? The answer: "it's on the door, you don't have to come in".
Prikaži ovu nit -
Fair enough, most of our usage wasn't _needed_. But what about situations where a device is genuinely essential for someone? Helping to independently read a menu if visually impaired? Quickly reading and writing to communicate if hearing is difficult?
Prikaži ovu nit -
Insulin pump apps? Autistic or extremely anxious people who use their devices to recentre? Alcoholics who want to glance at an affirmation? Those needing help with English? There are myriad reasons why a device may be incredibly important to someone.
Prikaži ovu nit -
Having a policy to encourage conversation is one thing. Actively policing it it another. This act can cause people to feel they have to share private reasons for why they're doing what they are. But even if they do, the answer was consistent: "I don't care. Don't come in"
Prikaži ovu nit -
The worst example given in this instance was almost boastfully shared. The staff member we spoke to told us that he'd had a man constantly checking his phone because his son was in hospital. The same level of empathy was applied: "You can't use your phone. Leave"
Prikaži ovu nit -
At this point we attempted to clarify, and asked whether they would put a sign saying "no disabled people"? Swift denials. But if you're disabled and rely on technology, needing to use a device during your visit? "Don't come in, it's on the door"
Prikaži ovu nit -
It wasn't just one person either. All members of staff we interacted with were hard line on it. Why? "If Mr Smith finds out, we'll lose our jobs". The staff are working in fear: if they want to stay working there, they need to police a zero tolerance policy.
Prikaži ovu nit -
By introducing a policy like this, Sam Smiths have projected a world view of devices being addictive conversation killers that must be excluded. This is an _extremely_ privileged view of technology, and the amount of discriminatory views on display were hugely concerning.
Prikaži ovu nit -
Worrying, they're not alone. We're seeing an ever increasing set of "no device" policies under the banner of "be present, enjoy the moment!". These require people with legitimate reasons to have to attempt to negotiate with personal information they may not wish to disclose.
Prikaži ovu nit -
Build diverse teams. Consult with experts. Acknowledge your position of privilege, and how it shapes your view of the world. Have empathy, don't double down on black and white, and be prepared to listen and change.
Prikaži ovu nit -
And FFS I can't believe it needs to be said, but don't openly discriminate against people(!), or attempt to dehumanise anyone by removing assistance that supports their life, just because it's packaged in a digital device. Your experience of technology is not the same as others'
Prikaži ovu nit -
"The sign's outside. Don't come in" We won't be back. From what I've since read of
@samsmithsbeer they won't change. But I hope that this thread can act as a prompt to others who are thinking about projecting their view of what is and isn't important when it comes to devices.Prikaži ovu nit -
Just dropping back in here quickly to say I'm glad the main message of inclusivity resonated with so many of you
I've really enjoyed reading your stories about what technology means to you but have had to mute the flood for a bit, so sorry if I don't reply!Prikaži ovu nit
Kraj razgovora
Novi razgovor -
Čini se da učitavanje traje već neko vrijeme.
Twitter je možda preopterećen ili ima kratkotrajnih poteškoća u radu. Pokušajte ponovno ili potražite dodatne informacije u odjeljku Status Twittera.

Senior Engineering Manager
Web Discipline Lead &
Ops Collective Eng Lead)
Speaker, coder, gamer, tea lover, 日本語. She/her