by thenewgreen

It's about the semblance of control. It's a vestigial social contract between passenger and flight crew. "We know this has no bearing on safety but we'd like everyone to pretend we are in control, so please turn off all electronic devices". -Reminds me of the plane scene in "Fight Club".

I was flying the other day and overheard a kid behind me ask his father why he didn't have to turn off his digital watch? -Valid question kiddo. Even an 8 year old see's how ridiculous it is.