Phone Etiquette Rules: Be on Your Best Behavior

When the iPhone was released, no one thought it would be such a trend-setting device. However, it has got to the point where our reliance on the iPhone, and all mobile phones in general, has negatively influenced our…

When the iPhone was released, no one thought it would be such a trend-setting device. However, it has got to the point where our reliance on the iPhone, and all mobile phones in general, has negatively influenced our behavior, so there are some basic phone etiquette rules to follow.

There Really Are Rules for Using My Phone

Really. Think about it: You’ve probably been with people who whip out their smartphones every chance they get. Not only that, they like to espouse how great the device is by using its Internet search ability to find an unknown fact or by bragging about the need for an app. Suddenly your weekly trivia night becomes about how quickly someone can look up the answer on their phone.

The truth is, maybe you don’t need apps, or even to reply to emails from a friend right away – at least not every minute. And do you need to be on your phone when in the bathroom? Believe it or not, a recent study by Gazelle shows that 85% of iPhone owners use their phone in the bathroom. Saving this activity for later might not be a bad idea, or you could find a phone that will make less you less tempted to use it in this environment.

Phone Etiquette Rules and Manners

It used to be that private behavior remained private. Meetings happened behind closed doors. Your conversations with friends would take place away from prying eyes and eavesdropping. Once again, the mobile phone changed all this. But in an age when personal information can be stolen easily, is it a good idea to use your “outside voice” when details of business affairs and your personal life are involved? Do you really want everyone around you to hear about your promotion or your multi-million-dollar business deal? Or worse, that you were fired?

Is a reminder about phone manners while in a public place really needed? Unfortunately, yes. It seems that everyone carries a mobile phone of some kind now, so it is relevant to reflect more on this issue. Do we mean to be discourteous? Probably not. Just remember, you control the device; it only takes a second to set your phone to vibrate or even turn off your ringer completely. And while we’re on the subject, phone use while driving, even if you do it “hands free,” is still dangerous – and it’s even illegal in some states.

Finally, another great function on current mobile phones is the camera. However, at events like concerts, for instance, there are those who use their phones to record songs and performances. Not only is this illegal, but it also blocks the view of others who are behind you. Imagine yourself in their shoes, and consider this: What might you be missing out on by hogging the spotlight on your smartphone?

So when in a public setting, be courteous, enjoy your surroundings and your friends, and be smart about your smartphone manners.

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