Face it, we all want to look cool, but some of the new-fangled gadgets we think make us look cool, actually make us look like jerks. Here’s the list, courtesy of MSNBC:
The BlackBerry. A lot of people get so addicted to their “Crackberry” that they text all the time. Sure, it’s great that you can take your important work emails everywhere you go, but on the flip side, you’re also dragging everyone else to your office, too. The fix: If you have to check email while you’re with friends, apologize and step away to do it. Don’t make your friends feel guilty for putting their social lives ahead of an 80-hour work week.
Another gadget that makes you look like a jerk: The Bluetooth. Yes, the hands-free wireless headset supposedly lets you drive more safely and legally, in some cities, but it also makes it seem like you want to look important. Even worse, if you’re using it on the sidewalk, you look like a crazy person, talking and gesturing to yourself. Another Bluetooth drawback: People using them feel obligated to shout – which forces everyone else to listen to your business. When all they really want is for you to hang up.
Another gadget that makes you feel cool but look like a jerk: iPod accessories. Face it, a plastic speaker dock will not jazz up your office, especially since your coworkers would rather not listen do your music during work hours. What’s with the white plastic earbuds? It’s not a designer necklace. So keep both of ‘em in your ears if you’re going to use them.
The final so-cool-it’s-not gizmo: The Segway. It was supposed to revolutionize transportation, and help people run errands without having to climb into a car, but it looks like a desk lamp glued to a kid’s tricycle. Aside from the initial news buzz – which included President Bush falling off of one – the Segway is used primarily by tour groups, visibly embarrassed police officers and postal workers, and very rich people – who literally play polo on them. Everybody knows it’s only cool to play polo on horseback.
