|
Cellular Phone Etiquette
Today's society is all about being connected
24/7. Cell phones now provide instant access to anyone
and everyone, from corporate executives to housewives
and children alike. While cellular connectivity is a
comfort to some, it can be rude and disruptive to others.
You may wish to be available at all times, but there
are some times when it is simply not appropriate to
use your cell phone.
Also, cell phones should not be treated
as status symbols, and should not be paraded out simply
to impress others. Regardless of how new and impressive
your cell phone may be, dragging it out in a public
setting is seldom going to win you any fans.
Follow these simple cell phone guidelines
to strike a balance between accessibility and consideration
for others...
Movie Theaters
When you are in a movie theater, respect others around
you who are there to actually watch the movie and are
trying to listen. Turn your phone off completely, or
at least switch it to vibrate only so as to not disturb
the other movie-going patrons.
Restaurants
When you are dining out in a restaurant, those you are
with deserve the courtesy of your attention. It is rude
to your guests or companions to speak to or text others
while you are dining.
Appointments
When you have a professional appointment, whether it
be an appointment with your hair dresser, doctor, etc.,
it is time to give the phone a break.
Hospitals
Hospitals often restrict the use of cell phones in specific
areas, because the cell signal could possibly interfere
with electrical equipment used to maintain life support
or monitor the health of patients. Be respectful and
courteous of hospital rules that dictate the use of
cell phones.
Live Performances
When attending live performances, whether a play, a
speech, or a musical presentation, have the courtesy
to turn your phone off.
Religious Ceremonies
Whether at a church wedding or a funeral, the cell phone
should be muted. Regardless of your religious affiliation,
when you find yourself in any house of worship, you
should always keep the phone turned off. If an absolute
emergency occurs, and you find yourself needing to use
your cell phone in an inappropriate area, make an excuse
to leave and seek out a private area to have your conversation.
Keep your voice quiet, as there is no need to share
your conversation with others.
If you must take a phone call in a public
setting, be as brief as possible, as that is not the
proper time or place for idle chit-chat.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePageSMS and
text messaging software http://www.notepage.net
and FeedForAll software for creating, editing, publishing
RSS feeds and podcasts http://www.feedforall.com
.
|
Cellular Phone Etiquette