For the first few weeks I had to constantly remind them to put it away until it became routine, but during that time I remember being so frustrated with students scrolling through real quick or taking selfies in my class.

However, during faculty meetings, some of my coworkers have their cell phones out too.

I definitely don't think it'll get worse and in talking with some students they talk about the same issues brought up here. They're well aware that cell phones are a distraction and they even bring up how rude it is when their friends pull out when in their company. So, with that being said, I have faith that their self-awareness will increase and that 20 years from now the bar scenario that was brought up won't come to fruition. Perhaps it's more the adults that we need to worry about?

Here's a TED talk from Sherry Turkle called Alone Together that I've been playing for students.

http://www.ted.com/talks/sherry_turkle_alone_together