IG听力2106 part3音频

[00:03.33] Speaker A: Hello and welcome to our fortnightly programme on how technology affects our daily lives.（21）

[00:09.98] When did smartphones become such an important part of our lives that we cannot cope without them?

[00:17.42] They seem to have taken control of our lives in a way that makes me feel as if I am being bossed about by them.

[00:24.86] So, my colleagues and I have decided to launch a ‘Smartphone Free Fortnight’

[00:32.29] and challenge you to see how long you can manage without the mini-computer that seems to be so much a part of your life.（22）

[00:41.06] To encourage you we have on the programme an interior designer and journalist

[00:47.08] who has actually ‘quit her smartphone addiction and really started living’ as she herself puts it.

[00:54.34] Welcome Jane.

[00:56.20] Speaker B: Hi and thank you for having me on the programme.

[00:58.33] Like you I really don’t like being bothered and bossed around.

[01:01.24] I hated that anyone, for any reason could interrupt my life by phoning

[01:05.76] and I could interrupt mine just the same by taking the call.

[01:08.42] I felt I needed to take matters in hand.

[01:11.08] Speaker A: Okay, that sounds good.

[01:12.93] But suppose a friend wants to get in touch and visit you, or have a meal out.

[01:19.31] What then?

[01:20.64] Speaker B: Well, look at what happened recently to me.

[01:22.76] A friend rang on my landline checking to see if I could pick her up on the way to a party.（23）

[01:27.11] I asked her where she was and as she explained,

[01:29.93] I reached for a pen and scribbled down the address in my trusty notebook, which I always keep close by.

[01:35.77] I told her I’d be at her place in about 20 minutes.

[01:38.96] Then I put the phone down. Literally.

[01:41.63] Speaker A: What exactly do you mean when you say ‘literally put the phone down’?

[01:46.66] Speaker B: I physically took the handset receiver away from my ear

[01:49.85] and placed it on the weight-triggered switch that cuts off my landline’s dial tone.

[01:53.49] I then took my laptop and checked the address to get better directions.

[01:57.02] I took my notes and headed outside to my car and drove over to my friend’s house.

[02:01.27] Speaker A: That sounds all well and good.

[02:03.94] What would have happened if you had got lost on the way?

[02:07.13] What if she changed her mind and she couldn’t make it?

[02:10.84] Or you had an accident on the way? Surely,

[02:13.76] you were being a bit unwise going out without your mobile?

[02:18.02] Speaker B: If I got lost, I would have needed to ask someone for directions.

[02:21.20] There are plenty of petrol stations and shops on the way to do that.

[02:25.19] Should she have changed her mind, she wouldn’t have been able to ring me at a moment’s notice and cancel.

[02:29.97] She would need to think of the fact that she cannot get in touch with me.

[02:34.48] Speaker A: It sounds as if you have the situation under control.

[02:37.67] Well done!

[02:39.00] How long have you been without a smartphone?

[02:42.18] Speaker B: I haven’t had one for over eighteen months.

[02:44.57] I decided that there was to be no mobile phone in my life in any form whatsoever. No downgrading, no simplifying to a less sophisticated phone. I opted out completely.

[02:55.46] Speaker A: But arguably, you should have one. After all you are a freelance writer and a popular designer and clients would want to get in touch.（24）

[03:06.62] Speaker B: There are a dozen ways to contact me between the landline, email and social media. When I check in or answer my phone, it’s on my terms. No one can interrupt whatever I am doing. To me it’s as liberating as the first night of a holiday.（25）

[03:20.96] Speaker A: Surely, people thought you must have been old fashioned to say the least? Exactly why did you ditch the phone?

[03:29.19] Speaker B: I cut myself off because I felt my life was better without a mobile.

[03:33.18] I am less distracted.

[03:34.78] It makes me feel as if my life is richer.

[03:37.17] When my friends found out, they thought I was wrong and must be going mad. （26）

[03:41.15] But I was tired of my world existing through a small black screen

[03:44.61] and even more tired of being contacted whenever anyone felt like it.

[03:48.59] Speaker A: This is something we are all aware of,

[03:51.77] yet somehow don’t manage to resort to such action as you did.

[03:55.76] I find it a bit drastic.

[03:58.16] Speaker B: I can only speak for myself when I say it was becoming an addiction.（27）

[04:01.35] I was constantly checking emails, social media, daily news, or playing games.

[04:06.92] When I found out that I could download audio books, the earbuds never left my lobes.

[04:12.23] I even slept with it by my side.

[04:14.62] It was never turned off.

[04:16.74] I’m sure I’ve texted during meetings,

[04:18.87] in dark theatres and when out with friends around a restaurant table.

[04:22.86] I felt obliged to answer every text, tweet and social media comment.

[04:27.90] Speaker A: So, you have been without a mobile for a year and a half and you appear to be doing well.

[04:34.81] You get plenty of work, you have a social life and have time to yourself.

[04:39.59] I think this is amazing in a world of constant and instant communication.（28）

[04:45.44] Speaker B: Yes, and I sleep better too.

[04:47.83] My business and social life have not vanished.

[04:50.48] Basic internet is enough to keep friends informed and weekends fun.

[04:54.47] I’m glad to be back in touch with the real world again.（29）

[04:57.39] Speaker A: This is very impressive.

[04:59.51] Okay, listeners out there.

[05:02.17] We have a fortnight to try this experiment and then I look forward to hearing from you in two weeks’ time either by email or letter.（30）

[05:11.73] No texts please!