Judging people by their phones

[htsoxznese]

Is it wrong to judge people by the phones they use? There seems to be a rise in phoneism lately. People judge you by what phone you use. I find I do it sometimes, e.g. I tend to assume iPhone users are technologically ignorant and uninformed.

 

[sntaylor]

I can only imagine that this only truly happens at school, I'd hope for society's sake that once people leave school they are not judged by what they have and have not, specifically the type of phone. Sadly I suspect from your question that it does happen for some.

As much as I don't like iPhones, and I would suggest to many people that they try an android instead, but it's not for everyone. I wouldn't judge them purely because they have an iPhone! Just like I wouldn't judge someone because they have or haven't rooted!

 

[zuben el genub]

It's dumb. Looking at my demographic, you would think Iphone and all accessories since it's "easy to use" Wrong. Rooted Nexus 4, no accessories, no social sites.

Vulcan content with his 2006 Nokia 6085.

 

[kwaks]

yah ! many of us are basing the life of someone by thier phones.
but for me its not like that just like the saying " dont judge the book by its cover "

 

[mikedt]

Is it wrong to judge people by the phones they use? There seems to be a rise in phoneism lately. People judge you by what phone you use. I find I do it sometimes, e.g. I tend to assume iPhone users are technologically ignorant and uninformed.

Here in China that definitely happens. If someone is seen to have an iPhone 5 or a Samsung S3 or S4, they're often assumed to be more affluent and of a higher social status.
Chinese Student Refused a Job After Attending Interview with an iPhone

...the brand of cigarettes that one is seen to smoke conveys the same thing as well here.

 

[Armuro]

Of course it's wrong. See how many people with high tech skill using iphone. Developing for other people is a different thing from choosing one for oneself.

 

[huh]

Yes..yes it is

 

[Bob Maxey]

Is it wrong to judge people by the phones they use? There seems to be a rise in phoneism lately. People judge you by what phone you use. I find I do it sometimes, e.g. I tend to assume iPhone users are technologically ignorant and uninformed.

Yes, it is.

You will never know their story and it is often (or can be) much different than you think. I know a guy sporting a several year old dumb phone with a few billion in the old off shore. I mean the local bank.

I know another with an shiny new S4 that really cant afford a free Cup-O-Joe. I taught him howe to add a widget to his screen and he still does not get it.

Are you suggesting that android users are smarter than Apple users? Many people that xcross my path have Android devices and they are dumber than a barn full of hammers and anvils.

Android people shoule never judge, lest they become the thing they often judge. In other words, Do not be an Android Fan Boy.

 

[Bob Maxey]

I might add that if you judge others, they have a right to judge you, and they can always find a fault. Not sure people want to be judged. Not sure why so bloody many people should give a red rats raw rump about what phone(s) they carry.

 

[Bob Maxey]

I have made a judgement: The phone you carry does not matter.

 

[damewolf13]

Welcome to AF, htsoxznese!

Why would someone with a basic cell phone or an iphone be any less intelligent than an Android user?
People choose their phones for many different reasons that make sense for their lifestyle and circumstances.
It's more about personal preferences for their needs, and really nothing more.
I think it would be a mistake to make too many assumptions about a person's intelligence and character based on their cell phone choice.

 

[Hadron]

To judge intelligence or technical knowledge that way would be really dumb. Some of the smartest and most IT literate people I know use iPhones. And some others use Android. And some just carry a dumbphone. Tells you very little indeed.

Now if they are using leaky headphones on public transport, that's different - then I will make a judgement of their intelligence

 

[saptech]

I judge people. I think it's a doggone dirty low down shame they got a better phone then mine! Just kidding.

It doesn't make me any difference what type of phone people have. This is my first smartphone and I wouldn't be using it if the wife hadn't bought it for me as a Chrismas present. I would still be using my dumb phone and have a smaller payment plan!

 

[rich2626]

Well it seems that a lot of people do,I have never thought about this until now..lol

 

[SiempreTuna]

I'm sure people do judge people by their phone .. as well as many other factors: apparently a majority of women in the UK believe that shoes tell them pretty much everything they need to know about a guy

 

[Member243850]

Is it wrong to judge people by the phones they use? There seems to be a rise in phoneism lately. People judge you by what phone you use. I find I do it sometimes, e.g. I tend to assume iPhone users are technologically ignorant and uninformed.

No!

You are wrong man!

You must permanently judge people and criticize them until there is nothing left of them so you can be abusive and use these unfortunate people as you will!

You must be like the all seeing eye from Mordor and PUNISH and CRUSH those that stand in your way!

Spoiler

Never mind me I am being a bit of a jerk lord!

But hell ja I totally agree with ya bruizer!

Never mind phones... you should never judge any one.

Even when you see that beggar on the side of the street, sure depending on the person and the whole scenario etc etc etc you may never really know just how hard that person's life may or may not have been.

So no it is not a good idea to judge because another bazzillion fingers are pointing back at you!

@.@

 

[Member243850]

Ahhhh!

Here is a better picture of the angry eye of Sour-Mon or whatever that thing's name was (is still?)!

 

[unnamedny]

I have a few friends bouncing back and forth from USA to Russia. While I think this might apply in US schools and early college years it's worse in other countries. iPhone is a huge luxury in Russia, not many can afford it, if you have an iPhone you get a really different view in society. It worth mentioning that iPhones worth well more in Russia, prices starting at $1000 per phone without any contracts.

Here in US I know a businessman who runs big construction company, has a fair amount of real estate as well. He uses a basic android smartphone and drives 2000 VW Jetta. He works in the field equally with his employees wearing same clothes they do.

Don't judge people by what they have on them, including the phones.

 

[zuben el genub]

I'm sure people do judge people by their phone .. as well as many other factors: apparently a majority of women in the UK believe that shoes tell them pretty much everything they need to know about a guy

Who looks? If the dude has clothes on that's good enough! I can't tell one brand of shoes/clothes from another anyway.

 

[mikedt]

I have a few friends bouncing back and forth from USA to Russia. While I think this might apply in US schools and early college years it's worse in other countries. iPhone is a huge luxury in Russia, not many can afford it, if you have an iPhone you get a really different view in society. It worth mentioning that iPhones worth well more in Russia, prices starting at $1000 per phone without any contracts.

New iPhone 5 from Apple in Russia is 30,000 roubles, around $930 USD. It's not much cheaper in China. And used iPhones do tend to maintain their value. I suspect Russia like China, they're not available subsidised. You have to pay full price. Same in many emerging markets, premium phones can be very expensive, especially given that the average wage can be quite low. Subsidised phones on contracts is mainly a US thing AFAIK, UK goes in for the subsidised contract model as well, but not as much I don't think.

If one has an iPhone it basically says, I'm not poor, I have the money to spend on luxuries. Same with premium Samsungs as well. I have an iPhone, I wear a Rolex watch, I wear an Armani suit, I drive a BMW, etc.

I posted earlier about the student in China, who was declined employment just because he had an iPhone.

 

[rabidhunter]

I don't judge people, but I am interested in what they are using and how they are using it. I just have a general fascination with tech stuff.

 

[funkylogik]

I definately judge people by their phone. I consider iphone users to be misguided flashy posers but i also judge someone with a high end android who doesnt have a clue how to use it to its potential in kinda the same way. Its my geek snobbery

 

[Member243850]

I definately judge people by their phone. I consider iphone users to be misguided flashy posers but i also judge someone with a high end android who doesnt have a clue how to use it to its potential in kinda the same way. Its my geek snobbery

And I judge people by how much hair they have on their head!!!!

(Please don't hurt me! whahahahaaa! )

Naah just jokin!

I rocked up to work one day with a towel around my head deliberately trying to look like a Muslim / Islamist from towel-topia.

The 1 kid looked at this towel around my head and asked trying not to laugh his little trolly back side off:

"Wayne why do you have towel around your head?? "

And I replied:

"Bob" why do you have a shoes on your feet???? "

They all think I am some kind of "God" or something at work maybe because I talk to them in such a nice way??

Anyway, I don't judge people, I think there is always something I can try and learn from or gain from.

I don't judge... unless you are secretly God like this guy!

 

[sfbloodbrother]

I will be honest, for real, When I see iPhone users, and have a few friends who use iPhones , this is what I get from them.
1. They are rich, as in loaded in money, or much wealthier than I am at the moment.
2. They aren't tech savvy like I am, as in they don't know much about newer technology, however, they prefer other things like cars (Which I know nothing about).
3. They are Apple fanboys.

 

[htsoxznese]

I agree with you that judging others is not ideal, but maybe we do it without thinking?

I am from Australia where most phones including iPhones are $60 a month, so anyone can afford it, even unemployed people on welfare.

Yesterday I saw a beautiful girl carrying an Oppo Find 5. Thee Find 5 is not a mainstream phone like the iPhone or Galaxy, so I was curious about how she got the phone. I spoke to her and it then, as I suspect, she is a smartphone aficionado. I fell in love with her but unfortunately she already has a boyfriend, a guy who uses a Nexus 4. But this story illustrates that my phonist prejudices can be quite useful.