In Aimee Bender's collection titled "The Color Master: Stories," she explores contemporary behaviors and their implications on health and society. One character acknowledges their frequent phone checking, likening it to a modern-day vice. This comparison to smoking highlights the pervasive nature of technology in our lives, suggesting it offers an addictive escape without the physical harm associated with cigarettes.

The reference to checking the phone every two minutes serves to normalize this behavior, as many people do the same. Bender's narrative illustrates how individuals find solace in their devices, presenting it as an alternative to traditional habits that were once deemed harmful. This perspective opens a dialogue about the changing definitions of addiction and the nature of modern comfort.