We all get attached to our iPhones, but one woman was SO attached that she killed the teen who broke it -- even though he happened to be her boyfriend. Last night, a Bronx woman, who is 25, got into a fight with her boyfriend, who is 18, and at some point, either on purpose or by accident, the boy shattered her phone. So she gunned the SUV she was driving and ran him down, killing him. While I have no doubt that the iPhone was only part of what happened here -- technology can seem to make people crazy.
In April, a young chef was killed and his iPhone (but not his cash!) was stolen. Last year, we heard about a 12-year-old boy who killed his grandmother in an argument over a videogame. And there was the dad who tied up his 4-year-old so he could play videogames in peace.
In the case of Jasmine Hernandez, the woman who ran down her teen boyfriend after he busted her iPhone, friends say the couple had a "volatile" relationship. In fact, they'd just had an argument before the phone hit the pavement. Still, the phone was a catalyst for Jasmine's rage. Would she have reacted the same if, say, her bf had called her a name? Stomped on her purse? I don't think so. I think nowadays people are so wrapped up in technology that it almost becomes an extension of their psyche. Not to mention that computers and iPhones can contain a lot of private information that can be difficult to get back if something happens to them. This doesn't excuse anyone who acts violently over tech, but I can see how loss of reams of personal info can send you over the edge more than, say, losing a piece of jewelry.
Additionally, tech has become THE status symbol. A lot of people wait in line for hours for the latest iPhone, iPad, videogame, or computer. It's something people brag about -- almost a part of their identity.
I don't think anyone who doesn't have other issues is going to suddenly go berserk and kill someone over a phone or handheld device. But someone who already has major issues, who already has a non-existent sense of self? Personally, I'd stay away from their tech.
Do you think tech can make people crazy?
Image via Ricky Romero/Flickr
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
KStew Refuses to Shower
This Hot Dad Wants to Cook You Dinner
This Hot Dad Cooks AND Does the Dishes
Comments 10
I think the ages are a valid point to bring up. There is a huge difference, maturity-wise, between a typical 18-year-old and a typical 25-year-old (although of course, there are always exceptions, but in general, especially when the 18-year-old is the guy and the 25-year-old is the woman, this is true).
Thinking back to where I was in my life as a 25-year-old: married, had graduated college and been working in a full-time career for three years, and about to enter graduate school. The idea of dating an 18-year-old would have been inconceivable because of the huge maturity gap.
If this were a 30-year-old and a 37-year-old, not such a big deal.
I agree with the 4mutts. This woman has issues.
jhslove - completely agree. As a 26 year old, it is kind of disgusting to me to think of being with an 18 year old. That just feels too young to me. But, I have always been into guys my own age or a couple years older. When I see 18 year olds these days, they look so young!