There have been dangerous inventions in the past, but a recent invention crosses the line. When I first heard about the Texthook I was watching an episode of Saturday Night Live and I honestly thought it was a joke. I Googled to see if this was an actual product or not, and surely enough, the invention is real.

 

Texthook lets parents strap their phone to the bar of their baby's stroller so they can text and e-mail. I haven't heard reported accidents yet, but it's just a matter of time before a parent gets distracted and walks the stroller and the child into a brick wall. Even the Texthook makers and creator know how dangerous the product is. The box features a convenient warning letting buyers know "using your phone to talk/text/e-mail while in motion can result in injury."

 

In an interview with the New York Daily News, Texthook's creator, Leslie Perlman, said, "We are clear, don't [text] while in motion." I'm glad she at attempted to keep buyers safe, but will people listen to what she said? I highly doubt it. If everyone actually followed the rules I'd be astounded; I might go into shock.

 

I'm not terribly concerned about what happens to the parents because they put themselves in danger by purchasing the Texthook. If they get hurt from texting while in motion they are at fault for using the product irresponsibly and probably deserve whatever happens to them. I'm concerned about the innocent, little children forced to be in the stroller. They are the ones who may have to suffer an injury because of their parents' stupidity. Unless the parent is a multi-tasking expert, chances are he or she isn't paying attention to what the child is doing. Their kid could choke on a toy or have a seizure while their mom or dad is busy texting away.

The child also may have to suffer in other ways.

 

Even if a parent uses the Texthook while not in motion, what kind of message does the gadget send to children? The child would feel like their parents' phone was more important. I remember how when I was younger I always wanted to be around my parents and how I was dependent on them for pretty much everything. If they texted while around me rather than devoting their attention towards me, I don't know if I would have wanted to be around them as much.  

 

I do think it is ironic how texting and driving is recently illegal in some states, but now to make up for the loss we have texting while pushing a stroller. If texting while pushing a stroller is ever banned, what new gadgets will be invented? Something letting you text while on a skateboard? Or maybe texting while skydiving? The crazy possibilities are endless.