I think you and the article raise some good points. I guess I'm vain enough to think that when I take someone out to lunch I expect at least the majority of their attention. I won't fault them for replying to a text. But if you're browsing Twitter/Facebook/whatever while I'm trying to have a conversation with you, I'd naturally be annoyed as I think anyone would. Wouldn't you? I'm surprised that the older gentleman would say something, though.