Cell phones are a fact of life in the 21st Century, and learning how to use them correctly will go a long way in determining how much of a civilised person we are. Consider some instances below.
1. At a Dinner Table
The most common phone-related mistake tend to happen during meal time. This is true whether you’re eating at home or at a restaurant.
Do’s
- Keep phone usage down to an absolute minimum. Engage with the other people at the table; don’t just stare down at your phone the entire time.
- Set your phone to silent or vibrate mode as to avoid disrupting the other diners with a loud ring tone.
Don’ts
- Don’t use the flash function if you are going to take pictures of your food.
- Don’t answer an incoming call at the table. Instead, excuse yourself from the table if it’s urgent and accept the call in another room.
2. At the Movies
Do’s
- Put your phone in silent mode upon entering the auditorium. Better still, just turn your phone off.
- Keep your phone in your pocket or purse for the duration of the film.
Don’ts
- Don’t take phone calls before or during the movie. Leave the auditorium if you must take a call.
- Don’t text or email during the movie because the illuminated screen can be a major distraction for others.
3. In Other Public Areas
A phone is a communication device, so people are expected to use it in public spaces. Even so, good manners and common courtesy still apply.
Do’s
- Watch your language, particularly when in the presence of children. Avoid discussing overly private matters as well.
- Try to maintain some distance from strangers when taking a phone call. Try to keep a reasonable distance.
Don’ts
- Don’t use the speakerphone function in public unless everyone present wants to be included.
- Don’t talk in an elevator, on public transit, in public restrooms, or in other small spaces. Don’t take calls in quiet spaces like libraries, museums and places of worship either. Go outside or to some other area where you won’t disturb anyone else.
4. While on the Road
Phones are used for a lot more than just voice calls, and proper etiquette must be maintained when participating in other activities too, like playing games or chatting over an instant messenger.
Do’s
- Be aware of your surroundings. Try not to get in the way of other people as they go about their day.
Don’ts
- Don’t use your phone while participating in activities with other people. An example is a group discussion.
- Don’t play mobile games in public with the speaker on. Use headphones or mute the game’s sound.
- Don’t send or read text messages while walking. You could accidentally run into someone or something.
5. At Home
Do’s
- Leave the room to take a call if you are watching television or socializing with other people.
- Ask before using someone else’s charger or charging station.
Don’ts
- Don’t talk too loudly if you know other people might be sleeping.
- Don’t use your phone in bed if the room is dark and your partner is trying to sleep because the lit screen can be annoying. Go in another room to use it.
6. Text Messages
Most rules and considerations for cell phone etiquette apply when you’re in the presence of others, but there are also rules pertaining to how you choose to communicate with your phone.
Do’s
- Reply via text message if a person texts you. Use the same form of communication as he or she used to contact you, whether it’s by email, phone call or instant message.
- Respond to text messages in a reasonably timely manner, even if only to acknowledge receipt.
7. Borrowing a Phone
If you must borrow a phone from a friend or a stranger, be mindful of your manners and remember to say thank you.
Do’s
- Use the phone for exactly what you asked for in the first place.
- Keep your phone call as brief as possible.
Don’ts
- Don’t swipe around to see other pictures when someone wants to show you a particular picture on their phone. Doing so would be an invasion of privacy.
- Don’t take the phone out of someone’s hand when she wants to show you a picture unless it is clear she is offering you her phone.
Grade yourself on a scale of 1 to 10. Did you pass? Are you guilty of more or less of these faux pas?