I Forgot My Phone
Why Hacker News recommends it
Cited in threads about phone addiction and distraction as a classic, widely seen illustration of the problem.
What it is
A two-minute satirical short film in which a woman leaves her phone at home and notices how everyone around her is absorbed in their screens. It became a viral comment on phone distraction and social disconnection.
Recommended by 2 HN commenters across 2 different months, 2013 to 2026.
What Hacker News said
Recommends ohwp · 2013-08 · on “Life without a cell phone”
I own a cell phone but never use it for the same reasons as you. Never missed it, never will. This month a video went viral about the subject: [this video] (I Forgot My Phone). So true.
Recommends freshhawk · 2013-09 · on “We're creating a culture of distraction”
Have you seen the short film called "I Forgot my Phone" ( [this video] )? It deals with exactly this subject and has a great surreal creepy vibe. Made me think about how many times I've been that blinking person who didn't hear their food order, which I dislike but keep doing.
Cites ladino · 2013-08 · on “Don’t Be Anti-Social During Meals With Friends.”
A lot of people got that video (I Forgot My Phone): [this video] which shows a well known first world problem. Maybe there is time for an mobile device (n)etiquette? Let's catch some rules and i will put them together ;)
Cites jcynix · 2026-02 · on “TikTok's 'Addictive Design' Found to Be Illegal in Europe”
When it's a streaming service, it might be equally worse IMO, but a bit less so if it's music you own. But anyways, I call these folks "electro autists" (with apologies to real autists) as they are rarely reachable for social interactions. Saying "good morning" in the elevator? No chance. Nor recognizing people left or right. Or in the gym, where they block machines for many minutes, i.e. much more than the one or two minutes of resting in between sets, while paging through social media in between sets. Asking them to unblock a machine in the gym? Some are reachable there if you stand in front of them and wave your hands. And walking the dog, or strolling with kids while on "social" media. I