I didn’t get the memo…

Is “placing the phone facedown” some kind of flex?

If yes, why? The phone still accepts texts and phone calls that you can answer or not.

I cannot for the life of me understand why it’s some sort of statement.

Top | New | Old

Mindful · 56-60, F

I can have my iPhone on silent but then messages pop up. Those are distracting to me. I also place the phone down if I want my pop ups to remain private. Sometimes they are reminders like, shower or "think positive" or call your mom." Or "take your medicine" I don't know why but I'd like those to remain private. Visible only to me. Luckily I don't care what my husband sees, but he definitely reads everything that pops up on my phone. He comments on it too. But I'm not trying to be private in front of him. But it would bother me if anyone else saw those personal reminders. So yes, I flip my phone over.

bowman81 · M

I put it face down to protect the screen. Dunno about flex?

Mamapolo2016 · F

@bowman81 I’ve seen/heard this dozens of times. It seems to imply “no contact” with someone they were texting or expecting a distasteful phone call from.

Like slamming a door.

I do not get it.

Gingery · 46-50, F

I will keep mine in my bag/pocket. However, if someone joins me while I’m looking at my phone, I will place it face down out of respect.
I’m indicating that I intend to give the person my full attention and not be distracted by my phone.
I’m not flexing, it’s good manners.

Mamapolo2016 · F

@Gingery That IS good manners. I applaud you.

What I’ve seen is different. It’s the electronic equivalent of sticking your fingers in your ears and loudly saying “Lalalala.”

ReptilianFromPlanetCrush · M

maybe its a secret way to block spam calls. LOLOL

Mamapolo2016 · F

@ReptilianFromPlanetCrush If only!

LeGrotesque · 46-50, F

It's dumb. I put my phone face down because I feel like if something gets spilled or dropped, at least the front screen is protected. I have nothing to hide, I'm single AF, but still set my phone facedown.

SunSetStrut · 46-50

Just makes for less of a distraction when the screen lights up.

Plus, maybe just force of habit from back when phones had a hand piece that we put face down when hanging up the phone.

ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

It's a statement? I didn't know. I'm from an older generation -- I don;t feel I'm obligated to answer the phone just because it rings.

Musicman · 61-69, M

If it's a statement no one told me about it. I never put my phone face down. My reason is i don't want germs on my screen when I am out. If I'm home I leave my phone on vibrate and if it rings I want to see the screen light up.

Add a comment...