you have said 'bus or the subway'.
In Moscow it's where people try hard to leave an impression that they don't notice anybody around:) Except for children (but whatever activity they demonstrate, parents discourage them from it:(), crazy people, and occasionaly young girls who dare  smile to young boys.

Thats when there are no friends/family around, of course.

Back in the 80's everbody... well, a half of passengers was reading there (we considered ourself the most reading nation in the world at the time):)

Not they are playing games, watching movies on tablets with headphones or, again, reading. But majority do nothing of these (so overall number of readers, players and those watching is even lesser then in 80's).

So hey, what about the books?

Most of the time spent in public transport or bureaucratic obligations, we are alone, not with friends or family. Instead of eavesdropping or staring at strangers and annoying them, I find it's much more productive to to use my phone (messages, ebooks, audiobooks, games, educational apps etc).

When I am with friends or family, I don't use my phone because I don't have to. If they were boring, I guess I would.

I only use my phone when I'm alone and not so often when I'm with my friends and my family because I just want to spend time with them :D

I agree with you,Lea:) I never like to use my phone in outside.

But now after finding Italki I always want to enter here:) But only at home.It is stronger than me.Because it is very interesting.

After your discussion I remembed song of Eros Ramazotti:)

PARLA CON ME