Practice Mobile Phone Etiquette

A 2004 MIT survey found that cell phones are the one invention of modern day that people hate the most but can't live without. Which could be why there are an estimated two to three hundred million mobile phones in use worldwide.

Cell phones have made life easier and more convenient for so many people, and calling plans continue to evolve and become more affordable. Many homes do not have a landline at all --individuals make all of their calls from a wireless phone. People report feeling proverbially naked without their phones, and wouldn't leave home without them.

As technology continues to evolve, more and more people are relying upon their phones to make calls, text friends and family, take photographs, capture video, browse the Internet, and so much more. Which means cell phones have become an all-consuming presence.

As cell phone use reaches staggering statistics, social etiquette regarding the right places and times for using a phone have become ever more blurred. Many people see them as a nuisance or an imposition at certain times, but fail to practice social etiquette during their own phone use.
Several studies by popular phone service providers have indicated that individuals do not feel shy about interrupting face-to-face conversations to answer a ringing cell phone, or talking on the phone while in the bathroom. While common sense might indicate that it's courteous to turn the ringer off on a phone during a religious service, movie, or other group event, who hasn't been at a show or service where at least one phone goes off? Many venues -- including houses of worship -- now have a standard announcement asking phones to be turned off prior to commencement.

Others do not balk about airing their private information in front of others. Overheard conversations on city streets and in public places yield more personal details than some may enjoy hearing.

"Every day for years I rode the bus to and from work," says Jean from New Jersey. "You see the same people during commute hours, and there would always be one woman who had to immediately call her spouse upon entering the bus, report that she was 'on the bus,' and then discuss what would be cooked for dinner. She spoke so loudly and I found it very annoying. Finally fed up, one day I asked her how her roast beef was -- having overheard the menu item from the previous evening's ride. Embarrassed, she cut down on the phone calls from then on and spoke in a lower voice."

Etiquette experts say there is a time and a place for cell phone use, and users should be mindful of their surroundings before flipping open their phones to make or take a call. Consider these suggestions.

* Turn off the ringer and let calls go to voicemail during a business meeting or another important event, such as a doctor's appointment.

* Never discuss private or confidential information in a public place. You never know who may be listening.

* Don't take a call if you are feeling angry or overly emotional. You don't want to embarrass yourself or others by yelling, crying or becoming irritated during your conversation.

* Billy Idol had his "Rebel Yell," but mobile phone users seem to fall victim to "Cell Yell," talking much louder than is necessary on their phones. This can be very distracting to others, particularly in a confined space, such as a bus, car or train. If you are having trouble hearing the person on the other end of the conversation, or he or she is having trouble hearing you, call back at a more convenient time.

* Silent or vibration settings on cell phones were put there for a reason -- so you don't disrupt others when phones should be silent. This includes places such as business meetings, religious services, schools, restaurants, theaters, or sporting events.

* Don't let a call take precedence over safety. Avoid making calls while driving. Even hands-free phones can be distracting if you get engrossed in a conversation.

* Rely on text messaging to send a message discreetly. Just be sure to turn down your alert volume. Incoming text messages at two-second intervals can become annoying as well. And be courteous with text messaging. Not everyone has unlimited messaging plans, so they may be charged for the spam or funny jokes you forward on to everyone in your address book.

* If you are expecting a call that you don't want to miss, alert those around you that you're expecting a call and excuse yourself from the room to take it. Always put the people you're currently with as the priority.

* When in doubt, turn on vibrate mode and skip the call. Emergencies are few and far between, and you can always call a person back later.

CAPTION: Be courteous about where you make your cell phone calls.

Keywords:
mobile phone cell phone Etiquette

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