Most people don't answer the ring unless they recognize the number. Many never set up their email or message functions on their cell phones.

I keep my cell phone off and only turn it on when I have to use it in order to report Internet or power outage or to receive a security code so I can sign on and connect with an Internet financial or payment site. I have ceased answering the house phone unless I am expecting a call. 95% of calls are intrusive scams or robo calls. The digital revolution has made it possible for your privacy to be invaded by scum from every country who assume they have a right to invade your space and use your time in an attempt to take advantage of you.

Despite the destruction of privacy, a Constitutional right, people are being forced to have a cell phone and endless apps just in order to function.

Telephones are useless in other ways. Businesses are no longer set up to answer phones or to let you speak to a person. You get a robot that gives you a menu unrelated to the reason for your call. My favorite is when I call about the Internet or the power being down and am told by the Internet or power company's robot to report the problem on the online site. When there is the option of speaking to a customer representative, you invariably are told that "due to an unusual number of calls," you have a long wait time. Occasionally, you are offered the opportunity to leave a callback number and are promised to be called back within 24 hours. Just the other day it took me 1 hour and 47 minutes to deal with a matter via telephone that would have taken 30 seconds 40, 50, 60 years ago.