We’ve been arguing about mobile phones in the office today, specifically when and where it’s appropriate to have one, and if anyone ever goes out without it. It all started around holidays and traveling – do you really need to take a mobile phone with you; is it an unnecessary distraction, or a useful backup in case of trouble?

Nowadays we seem to have them on us at all times of the day and night. For many people its even the first thing they see in the morning, as they use it as an alarm clock. We are even protesting to be able to use them on planes.

One unnamed debater, who ironically has the loudest and most irritating ring tone I have ever heard, argued that they should be left at home when on holiday at least. Another suggested that in case of an accident you may be grateful that you have it with you.

Personally, I’m terrible at keeping hold of them – I’ve lost several in the last few months, rarely keep them charged and never remember to transfer friend’s numbers to new handsets. It’s currently been around two weeks since I last turned mine on, and the world has yet to crumble around me. I simply don’t feel like I need it in my day to day life. However, when I travel it comes with me and when I go on a long solo bike ride it comes with me – you never know what will happen.