WiFi free birthday

[MobilityCat]

Ever time I host a family meeting, everyone is on their phones, tablets etc. This one, my birthday, I announced in advance that my Internet would be switched off for the day.
They didn't believe me and trued to connect. They complained even though they were forewarned.
I asked if they came to visit me or play with their devices. I think social media is unsociable in a family visit.

When we have Christmas dinner or any large gathering I ask people not to take their phones into the dining room.

Well done op!! And happy birthday! I dream of a day the router accidentally gets wet, then smashed and rolled over!!!

I mean, if you want your guests to really resent being in your company, then great.

It's so rude. I also think answering calls and texts mid conversation is frequently (but not always) rude too.

I hate phones and modern communicators <she types on her phone >

Presumably you don't have any mobile reception where you live, then? Because obviously in most areas turning off wifi wouldn't stop anyone from being able to use their phone.

I personally don't use my phone when visiting someone. But my brother would of just used his data

I mean, if you want your guests to really resent being in your company, then great.

But they're not in OP's company, they are continually prioritising everything else that is going on in their lives.

It's one thing if you say to host/birthday person "sorry I'll have to keep my phone on because I'm expecting [insert important call]". It's quite another to respondng to every beep and twinkle updating you on your pal's tortoise. Especially if you then snigger at it, and no-one else has a clue what is going on.

If people come for my birthday I expect them to want to be with me. They are at liberty to say no and that they'd rather spend vacuuous hours on t'internet with their friends.

I've got dgc and dp and I make a big effort to put our phones away when we are with them. They have restricted screen time so the least we can do is respect that in our own habits.

@MobilityCat well done for instigating this.

I'm curious. How old are you?
Not to stereotype, but I think anyone who would insist on this must be 60+.

NICE ONE!

Well, they didn't like it, but switched their phones off when I asked them to.

Not to stereotype, but how old are you to think this type of behaviour from my family is acceptable? I think anyone who thinks that this is acceptable must be - 16.

I am nowhere near 60 but know what good manners are!

Doesn't everyone just have loads of data on their phones now?

Well, they didn't like it, but switched their phones off when I asked them to. Unquote.

🙄 I'm 43. But maybe my family has better manners than yours!

And I note you haven't answered my question, which just makes me think I am correct.

Yes! 😂

Op isn't as cool as she thinks she is!

Your families consideration for others' wishes is admirable. However, presuming I conform to a stereotype based on age is discriminatory. I'm a teacher specializing in science, technology, engineering (robotics), and mathematics. Age shouldn't define one's proficiency, and assuming older individuals are intolerant of technology is misguided.

As soon as I retire and don't need my smartphone for work, I'm going to bin it and go back to my lovely 'retro' Nokia 😆

Not sure on the whole trying to stereotype according to age, but I'm 60 and I think you (OP) are being controlling and ridiculous.

As others have said, turning the wifi off is odd as overwhelmingly people have data on their phones now.

Trying to ban people from using their phones for hours is just odd, and controlling.
I'm not on my phone all the time, but that is my choice. You trying to treat people like a 7 yr old is not going to endear you to anyone.

Of course, it’s good manners to not continually be glued to your phone when you’re in the presence of others, but that just screams controlling and “attention on ✨me✨”.

It really does!

Cringey

What was the point of turning the WiFi off, then? Just ask them to switch their phones off, if you must.

Yes. I also think that if people are glued to their phones nonstop at your gatherings, it’s probably because the gatherings aren’t much fun.

Nobody in my family stares silently at their phone nonstop. But it’s pretty normal in a room of a dozen people to glance at your phone when other people are talking and you’re just listening. It would be rude to stare at your phone if there’s only four of you in the room or something but if it’s a big get together.

Either way, though, I wouldn’t really want to visit the home of someone who behaved like they were the teacher and their guests were primary school children and set arbitrary rules for behaviour. I can’t bear that sort of uptight schoolmarm attitude.

On someones birthday, whom should the attention be focused on?

On someone's birthday, whom should the attention be focused on?

Why do you need constant attention on you just because it's your birthday?