"Sub Question" of and inspired by Marina's question about the pros and cons of new technologies in our lives.

I guess I feel obligated. Since I have 3 children, 14 and under, I don’t feel like I can ever turn off my phone.

As Trudacia knows, I’m horrible about returning emails and phone calls. I feel bad about it though.

I usually leave my phone at home when I go out. And if I have it on me it’s usually off, but I do turn it on a few time a day to see if anyone called or left me a message. I don’t really use AIM or any kind of instant messaging, but anyone can always send me an email, and I usually respond within a few hours. I make myself available, just not always in real time. I don’t feel guilty about it at all.

@pete: Can I ask why you wouldn’t take the phone with you but leave it off? In case of, say, a driving accident?

I’m only as accessible as I choose to be – My phone spends a lot of time tucked away in my bag and chat is only running on my mac when I’m prepared to receive and respond to chats (i.e. mostly while working).

@poof: It isn’t deliberate so much as just not thinking about it, and not wanting to have something else to carry. I generally don’t have anything with me if I can help it.

I have drawn the line as to when I will answer and when I won’t answer. We also have a family rule about meal time and when, at night, we’re done. We just don’t answer the phone (unless it’s my parents). If I’m working on a project for a client, even they know when I am able to be reached – and they are clear about times that I am not able to be reached. I am very fast to respond, when I’m on and have never had issues.

When my children aren’t with me, my mobile stays on 24/7 – for emergencies.

I think, at first, when I got my phone – starting doing most of my work via telecommuting, I felt I had to be on 24/7. Funny, after several years…that feeling has passed! :)

I’m on call all of the time for my job. I tell them not to worry about calling, if it’s not a good time, I won’t answer.

@ syz ditto for me.

If I get annoyed, I turn things off. Ilove the ability to reach who I need to, when I need too.
With that being said…drivers – pull over and talk!

I have found that I value being inaccessible more and more as accessibility increases. I screen my calls unless caller id shows it to be someone I want to talk to. I turn off or unplug the phone at times I do not want to receive calls.

I used to hate those ads of someone on a beach receiving a fax.

I hate that when I am with my nephews they spend much of the time texting their girlfriends.

I think I’m supposed to be.
But I don’t like to be.

Plus I’m just generally absent-minded
about charging my phone or remembering where I put it.

Makes for a lot of pissy friends. sigh