In today’s fast-paced digital age, where our smartphones have become extensions of ourselves, it’s important to pause and reflect on how we use these devices in the company of others and in public spaces. While cell phones and Apple watches offer connectivity and convenience, they also present a myriad of challenges when it comes to social interactions and etiquette.
Let’s talk about why cell phone etiquette matters and lay out some practical tips for maintaining courteous behavior in an increasingly interconnected world. Just thinking about this topic and discussing it with friends in the last couple of weeks has helped me evaluate my own practices, realizing I could be doing a better job.
Why Cell Phone Etiquette Matters
Cell phone etiquette isn’t just about being polite; it’s about fostering meaningful connections and respecting the people around us. When we prioritize our devices over face-to-face interactions, we risk alienating others and missing out on genuine human connections. Do you have a friend that constantly stares at her phone and/or watch and answers every single text or phone call when you’re together? Do you wait patiently, or do you grab your phone and occupy yourself until they’re done? Do you find it offensive? Do you have children or grandchildren who can’t be pulled away from their devices? How do you handle that?
Cell phone use can disrupt social settings, detract from productivity, and even pose safety issues in certain situations.
Tips for Practicing Cell Phone Etiquette
- Be Present: When engaging in conversations or participating in social gatherings, strive to be fully present. Put your phone away and give your undivided attention to the people you’re with. Not only does this show respect, but it also enriches the quality of your interactions. When you have lunch or dinner with friends, do you or they leave their phone on the table, or look at their watch every time a notification comes across? I understand and appreciate when someone says, “I don’t usually have my phone out, but I’m expecting a call from my mom’s doctor,” or whatever reasonable reason someone has. I need to do better at this. And it needs to be okay to not answer immediately and not respond immediately. People think, “they have their phone, why aren’t they picking up, or why aren’t they responding to my question?”
- Practice Discretion: Be mindful of the content you share and the volume at which you listen to media in public settings. I have been a huge violator of this one. I have different songs as my ringtones and my youngest daughter’s was Justine Timberlake’s “Sexy Back” for the longest time because she loved it as a young child and I thought it was so funny and ironic given how inappropriate the lyrics were, so I jokingly made it her ringtone when she was in college. The song would blast when she called and my entire family shamed me into changing it and adjusting the volume. What was I thinking? Avoid engaging in loud phone conversations or playing videos without using headphones, as this can disturb those around you.Airplanes are the worst and someone doing this at a restaurant is a close second. We’ve recently noticed flight attendants making announcements that passengers shouldn’t have a device’s volume on unless they have headphones. I love that.I recently heard a story about a mom in a restaurant with her two young children and she was on the phone the entire time. Her children periodically tried to get her attention with no success. I find that sad and think about those children thinking that’s normal and appropriate.
- Mind Your Surroundings: Respect the environment you’re in and adjust your cell phone use accordingly. For instance, avoid talking loudly on the phone in quiet spaces like libraries or theaters, and refrain from using your device in places where it may cause distractions. Interesting opinions on this one as we’ve been randomly polling people. For example, do you take calls at the grocery store? When you’re checking out at a store? At the gym? In a doctor’s office? At the hair/nail salon? I agree a library or theater is a no-no, but the others don’t bother me, with the exception of during checking out, unless someone is super loud or uses the speaker.
- Prioritize Safety: In situations where safety is a concern, such as while driving or crossing the street, resist the temptation to check your phone. Remember that your well-being and the well-being of others should always take precedence over digital distractions. This sounds like a no-brainer but we all know it isn’t.I look at my phone at a red light and my youngest regularly reminds me not to do that, and she’s right.I also know of someone who was on his phone when crossing a street, tripped on the curb, hit his head and ended up passing away from the incident. It may seem extreme, but it happens.
Or what about the people so engrossed in their phones that they are paying absolutely zero attention to their surroundings. Not only are they rude and obnoxious as they run into people, but they may be jeopardizing their own safety from criminals, simply because they are not aware of their surroundings.
What are your pet peeves?
What makes you crazy? How can people do better? What do you think is appropriate that others find unacceptable?
In a world where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, practicing good cell phone etiquette is important. By being mindful of our behavior and prioritizing meaningful connections over digital distractions, we can create a more respectful and harmonious society. My goal is to engage with the world around me in a manner that reflects values of kindness, consideration, and empathy.
