It's like that time my mom bought a VIP ticket to a Drake show so she could talk to him afterwards and tell him to his face that she doesn't much care for rap music. (this anecdote is a complete fabrication but I had fun writing it)

(your mom) "Drake! I don't appreciate your music."

(Drake) "Oh, I'm... sorry."

(your mom, nodding emphatically) "I came here to give you a piece of my mind. I paid $740 to get me and my children in here so I can say this to your face."

(Drake, nodding) "Madam, please... it is your right."

(your mom) "Well I didn't like it! I don't like any of your music!"

(Drake, nodding again) "Ma'am, I'm not sure I like it either. I'm just selling records here."

No, no, no. That's too paternalistic. The poster has to identify plants, and maybe take pictures with their zombie phone.

Do they also use their device to block stairs or crosswalks? If their first reaction to this was "but I need it", then maybe.

The point of a comment system is to discuss the content of an article. This is what I did. The likelihood of me going there either way is pretty small.

Sure. We're discussing it. We just don't agree with you.