Why are Americans neo-Luddites about cell phones?

ATHENS, GREECE -- When it comes to PCs, GPS devices, gaming consoles, and in general the computerization of just about everything, Americans as a group tend to be active users on the "cutting edge" and quick to embrace all of it. But when it comes to cell phones, we suddenly turn into neo-Luddites.

Today marks another milestone in America getting left behind in major advances in the use of cell phones: Here in Europe, airline passengers can now make cell phone calls and send and receive text messages during flights (while at cruising altitude).

I've written on this topic many times before, and every time I do the neo-Luddite impulse comes screaming through my inbox, revealing that for many Americans, the culture of cell phone usage is just moving too fast.

I hear complaints that airplanes are the last place where you can spend a few hours comfortably unavailable. "Why do we need to be connected all the time?," goes this line of argument. "Why can't we just unplug once in a while?"

Here's what's wrong with the "why can't we unplug once in a while" argument:

1. It's unfair. People like cell phones in general, and enjoy using them. That's why we pay so much for our data plans. Banning cell phones on flights in order to preserve one last cell phone-free zone takes away the privilege of using a cell phone disproportionately to those of us who fly more. Some people fly three times a week, and some fly three times a year. Those who fly the most have the greatest need to maximize productive time aloft. Without in-flight connectivity, we have to work while at home, or instead of doing other things -- like sleeping.

2. It's irrational. You want me to be unable to use my cell phone because you want to unplug. My response is: If you want to unplug, unplug. But please leave me alone.

3. It doesn't get at the source of the problem. If you feel obligated to be reachable whenever you can, your feeling of obligation is the problem. If your company forces you to be contactable every possible moment, perhaps you should find a better company to work for. We should all feel free to make ourselves available or unavailable whenever we like.

I'd like to see us all get behind in-flight cell phone usage. The cell phone -- an American invention, by the way -- is probably the most broadly useful and enjoyable invention since, well, the airplane. Let's get rid of our knee-jerk neo-Luddism about cell phones in flight and on the ground.