I prefer when people discreetly glance at their smartwatch rather than pull out their iPhone. I try to look at my watch discreetly, whether I'm checking the time or glancing at a notification. When I'm trying to be especially discreet, I'll look at the other person's watch rather than my own.

I like that my smartwatch vibrates in different patterns for different apps. That lets me know whether I'm being texted, called, or notified by some other app. I generally only check when it's texts or calls, and even then only some of the time. I try to leave my phone in my pocket as much as possible when with others.

IMO both of those situations are antisocial. There are situations and jobs where you're on call effectively reachable all the time. Sure.

But the people I work with and myself? We don't need to be hooked on.

> There are situations and jobs where you're on call effectively reachable all the time

One of such jobs is called "parenting," and it's a common reason for people to check their notifications.

> ” I find smart watches extremely frustrating and antisocial.”

Well, it’s the people who are antisocial, not the Watch…

My Watch is 100% silent and does not have notifications / vibrations (i disabled them.);

The exceptions are some Health related notifications, and regional/national alarm apps. But those are very rare to push notifications ( < 1 per month.)