Going by the mostly vapid, unhappy expressions on their faces, I'd say no. And why would the alternative be talking to passing strangers? Why not just take in yourself and your surroundings, or be in your head without distractions? It's not that you have to always do that to be a person, but you have to be able to, and if you're not, talking to people who are equally unable isn't even being social anymore, it's just a blob. Which brings us back to the vapid expressions when reading and communicating. I think they're not really doing anything as much as simply waiting life out.
That's great, but the expressionless faces also don't necessarily mean everyone is texting your girlfriend, or enjoying it if they do :P
When I even just read a book, I often catch myself with a grin or a frown. So if being glued to smartphones is enhancing so many lives so greatly, where are the signs of liveliness?
