Our main story this week explores our complex relationship with the mobile – our lifeline but also the bane of our lives.
What is it about mobiles that gets people so wound up?

I think it must be the invasion of privacy. It’s our own fault really. You don’t want to be disturbed? Then switch the wretched thing off.

But most of us are reluctant push that off bottom even going so far as keeping them on while we sleep. Privacy matters to us when we lose it.

Think of all the celebrities who have to put up with paparazzi on their doorstep and journalists going through their bins. They scream for privacy.

And indeed, privacy is a necessity, no less than food or drink. We all need a space where one’s feelings and activities are known only to oneself or the few to whom one chooses to reveal them.

We need a place to relax with family and friends, to be ourselves, let down our guards. The constant ‘ring, ring’ of a mobile, giving all and sundry access to that place, is theft of what is central to our wellbeing. So turn off your phone and enjoy this week’s mag in peace.

Ends