SensoryMetrics

SMS is the technology of choice for most people vying for a Darwin Award. This week, the Wall Street Journal reports that everyday this summer Chicago’s hospitals treat people who have suffered accidents due to texting while walking. According to Dr. Adams of the Northwestern Memorial Hospital,

fallen texters are more prone to facial injuries: They tend to hold their devices close to their faces, so their hands are less likely to break their fall. By the time their hands hit, their face immediately hits and they smash to the ground. The common outcomes are scraped chins, noses and foreheads, along with broken glasses.

You may have seen pictures of padded lampposts installed this spring on a London street. It was an experiment to see if texting injuries could be reduced. Like all good things – cigarettes, booze and KFC – the public health care system ends up footing the bill for the harm that people cause to themselves or others.

Not convinced? Here’s a typical SMS conversation:
— \< I really fancy you.
—/< I really fancy you too but have had eight pints.
=:-( Ok, so I’m having a bad hair day.
.-) They used to call me Lucky.
:-}-8=< I’m delighted with the results of your silicon implants.
<]:^) Stop clowning around.

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