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The successful future of Yamato\u2019s non-punishable anti-smartphone law depends largely on social interpretation. Suzuki attributes what he calls \u201ca 1.5 criteria\u201d to whether a law without punishment is complied with. \u201cCriterion one is whether the society considers the behaviour as dangerous or not, thus being meiwaku,\u201d he says. The other 0.5 criterion is whether the act will be deemed socially awkward by your peers.<\/p>\n
Suzuki points out that if something like a fatal accident were to happen, it could be enough to shock people into compliance. But he also thinks that because the media are interested in Yamato\u2019s ban and will be watching to see how it works, \u201c[it] could create an awkward atmosphere for smartphone users over the next few months\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are already so addicted to our smartphones,\u201d he warns, \u201cso if our desire to check our phones trumps the social awkwardness of not following the law, then the situation will no longer be awkward.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a silent battle now to see which social value comes out on top.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n