Phone Video Hijacking, Gallstones, or Root Canal?

By Bob Deakin

What is more painful: Gallstones, a root canal, or being the victim of phone video hijacking? Being forced to watch a video on someone’s phone is irritating, but I suppose it’s a matter of magnitude.

In the old days, it was looking at photos from someone’s party or event; you name it. Up close, with a shuffling, hand-to-hand exchange. Difficult to escape. 

In ancient times, it was watching slides of someone’s vacation from a projector in a darkened room. Try getting out of that one. 

Which is hardest to escape? I vote for the phone. Eye-to-eye, held inches from your face. I don’t care if it’s a video of my birth; I don’t want to see it. No possible escape.

Phone video hijacking is a product of our times, and an unfortunate one. It is more a sign of eroded decorum than technology. If I had a photo or video that needed to be seen, I would ask first, but I know better. I’ve seen vacation slides. 

There’s not much more to explain. I see friends do it, but I suspect some of you are just being nice, right? 

If video hijacking is the worst social crime, I’ll tolerate it. I don’t love anyone any less for it. I even feel guilty writing about it. 

However, pain is pain. Like gallstones and root canals, I’ll put on my best face and suffer through it. 

Please forgive me.

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