Amazing hi-tech devices, such as Blackberries, Androids, iPhones, and other smart phones are everywhere, and it appears they are here to stay.
While these can be terrific tools to communicate, learn new information, record personal thoughts, and more, many do not pay attention to how their use can negatively impact others.
Carelessly using these gadgets while walking, exercising, eating, interacting with others and driving can be dangerous, as well as a public nuisance.
“Some common offenses include talking loudly on a cell phone in public, distracted driving, or using the phone in a movie theater or even on a date,†National News reported, citing a study by Intel Corporation.
Of 2,000 people interviewed, “Nearly 20% of them admitted to having bad cell phone habits themselves, but said they kept it up because they saw everyone else doing it†(ibid.).
Yet a true lady or gentleman sticks to proper etiquette, even when no one else does!
While technological advances are constantly changing, and today’s most popular gadgets will no doubt soon be outdated, these common-sense principles will never grow old.
Acceptable uses:
Unacceptable uses:
- At Church services
- While driving
- In a school classroom
- During work or at a meeting
- While visiting an acquaintance
- In the middle of a face-to-face conversation
- While exercising at the gym
- During meals and family dinners
- At a concert
- While using the bathroom
No person should have to compete with an electronic device for your attention. Wholesome and valuable conversations should not needlessly be interrupted with a beeping ringtone, or with a person ignoring another because his eyes are glued to a tiny screen.
Whenever you have your cellphone or other device with you, be aware of it. Many embarrassing (and annoying) situations could have been avoided because people simply forgot they had their phones with them. Imagine how you would feel if your cellphone rang in a movie theatre, or even during Sabbath services!
It also helps to think, “If I use my cellphone now, how would it look to others? Am I portraying myself as a lady/gentleman?†When in doubt, wait until later.
There is an appropriate time and place for using portable hi-tech gear, but it must be done in balance. Be sure to use these devices at times when they will not interrupt others.
Remember, only a few years ago people lived happy lives without these gadgets. With this in mind, you can wait for a little while to use yours!