Are Smartphones In The Audience Bad For Stand-Up Comedy?

As Chris Rock puts it, “If you think you don’t have room to make mistakes, it’s going to lead to safer, gooier standup. You can’t think the thoughts you want to think if you think you’re being watched.” Brian Logan observes, “And, let’s face it, they are being watched – by which I mean (and he means) recorded, and apt to be broadcast – out of context, probably, and whether or not their material is ready.”