"But a more compelling reason is the desire to show people how disconnected we are. At a time where mundane goings-on are grounds to post and inform distant acquaintances on social media, it’s easy to see how something might not count if it’s not visible to others. If you can’t show people online because you’re disconnected, may as well show them IRL."

The other element is what it signals to others, something like the opposite of whatever it is that Google Glass means. “It’s a statement piece that tells other people you’re taking a break from them and everything else for a few minutes,”

"the compulsion to disconnect, and make it clear to everyone else that you’re disconnected."