What We Learned about Cell Phone Service in National Parks and What it Reveals About Human Nature

A recent trip to Yellowstone with the extended May family (a wonderful and highly educated group I might add) revealed one of the problems of the modern world, and how a new gadget has become a crutch, a necessity that without we are not quite sure how to function.  

I am speaking, of course, about the cell phone. 

As it turns out, with all its natural wonders and geothermal oddities, Yellowstone National Park does not have reliable cell phone service. We realized quickly that in a caravan of three minivans, there would be some difficulty communicating and coordinating. Yet even once we had realized that cell phone service in the park would be minimal, we weren’t quite sure how to navigate large group management. We lost track of each other several times, and in over 2 million acres of space, it became impossible to meet up again. And like muscles that have not been used, we seemed incapable of fixing the problem as it just kept happening over and over again!

Cell phones have made us all lazy, dependent on technology and texts to guide us through life rather than clearly communicating and formulating plans. Which is fine most of the time, but the new system’s flaws are quickly revealed when there are no bars, or when someone, heaven help us, does not even HAVE a cell phone.  

What did we used to do back in the day before cell phones? How did we meet up with people without calling and asking “Where are you at?’  We had to actually choose times and places to meet I guess. It’s hard to remember that far back. Noon at the flagpole. 2 pm by the Ferris wheel, etc. So many movie and TV plots revolve around miscommunication or not being able to get a hold of someone. Recently Karina and I watched the beginning of the musical Grease. Danny Zuko and Sandy enjoy their summer love, but sadly separate at the end of the season. It occurred to me that Sandy could simply send a quick text  - “Danny - I didn’t move back to Australia. I’m attending Rydell High. Where are you at?” It would make for a very different movie.  

In the future, if movies or television are going to have any drama, they will all have to be set in Yellowstone Park.