Champaign Voices

Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Case About Whether Phones Count as 'Being Present'

Published: July 15, 2026

Justices will consider a dispute over digital presence and legal obligations, a question that already ruins every dinner table in America without needing a ruling. What do you think?

“If the phone is at the table, the person is not. I've been saying this for years.”

“If you're on your phone, you're absent. Also if you're thinking about lunch.”

“Being present used to mean bringing snacks. Lower the bar carefully.”