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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Wednesday, 19 April 2006 |
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Page 1 of 3 Can you remember life before cell phones?
People used pay phones, or, gasp, waited until they got home to make a call.
Even better: Can you remember the first wireless phones? The bulky and heavy bricks with the eye-poking antennas wouldn’t fit in a briefcase, let alone your pocket.
Now, Motorola RAZRs will fit in your wallet.
Wireless phone technology has swept forward with such a flurry that manners were left in the dust.
You know what we’re talking about — the obnoxious businessman loudly trying to close a deal in the restaurant, or the three teenage girls standing together in line having three different conversations with other people on their phones.
If you don’t recognize either of these scenarios, then maybe you’re the culprit. Admit it.
Not that the technologically savvy should rush out to take an etiquette class, but a little common courtesy goes a long way.
“Cell phones become such a part of our lives to the point people have to realize what’s a good time to be talking on a cell phone and what’s not,” said Chad Turner, a Cellular Junction wireless consultant in Fort Collins. “It boils down to what people think is rude and not rude.”
Sure, giving others 24-hour access to you can be a good thing, but
being mindful of those around you is equally important (at least to those around you). Right now, society is in a transition period: Wireless towers are popping up quicker than zits on a 16-year-old, and social norms are struggling to keep up.
“It’s the same transition as when Walkmans first came out,” Turner said. “People had to learn when to turn the music off and take the headphones off. In that transition, there needs to be some sort of etiquette here to stay.”
While some people may be more easily offended than others, these simple guidelines should help you avoid unwanted glares and stares when chatting.
1. Give the person who you’re talking to, in person, priority
The people who can’t stand the thought of not answering their phone have developed one of the most disliked habits of the wireless generation — “the other finger.” This annoying hand gesture happens when someone gets a phone call and puts his index finger up as if to say, “I’m putting you on hold because the person on the other end of the line is more important.”
Rick Dellinger of Fort Collins said he hates when someone gives him cell-phone finger.
“It’s the rudest thing I can think of,” he said.
If for some reason the call must be answered, politely excuse yourself and keep it short.
2. Hang up when being helped
Ask anyone in customer service if they like trying to help someone who has a phone glued to their ear. The answer is a resounding “no.”
“Customers who come up talking on the phone is the most irritating thing in the world,” said Alexis Howard, an employee at the Cinemark theater in Fort Collins. She said it’s frustrating because she is trying to help them and they are distracted. The same rule applies to text messaging.
“I was just selling a phone and the girl was texting the whole time.” said Cameron Armagost, location manager of The Mobile Spot in the Greeley Mall. While it didn’t bother him much, he said it could eventually become a problem.
3. Take care of business before taking care of business
What call is so important that it can’t wait until you’re out of the bathroom? According to a recent survey released by LetsTalk.com, an online wireless retailer, 38 percent of respondents said it is acceptable to speak on a cell phone in the bathroom. This was down from 62 percent in 2003. The national survey was comprised of a sample of 2,119 adults, 1,815 of them owning a cell phone and a sampling error of 3.2 percent.
4. “Silence is Golden”
Let’s face it, cell phones and movie theaters don’t mix. Whether it’s a loud ringtone or a glowing light from text messaging, cell phones can instantly zap the fun from a movie-going experience for people sitting around you.
Only 2 percent of survey participants said talking on a cell phone is acceptable in a movie theater, according to LetsTalk.com.
Theaters now run ads before movies to remind people to turn phones off.
“It’s worked pretty well,” Howard said. “Cell phones go under the distraction category with crying babies, but everyone is pretty good with turning phones off.”
A more controversial solution would be jamming cell phone signals — one example is using special paint that inhibits signals — so calls do not go through. But because it is currently illegal to jam cell phones, permission would be required by the federal government. Less invasive technology is being explored.
5. Don’t BE accident prone because of your phone
Although it’s tempting to talk and drive at the same time, it can be dangerous. Rita Davis, Fort Collins police spokesperson, said many auto crashes involve cell phone use. Some states, such as New Jersey and New York, have even made it illegal to drive and talk without the use of a hands-free device. In Colorado, drivers with a learner’s permit are prohibited from using cell phones while behind the wheel.
An even bigger distraction comes with text messaging.
“I text all the time when driving, but it’s not smart,” Armagost said.
A better option is to pull over when sending a message. Another option is to wait until you get to where you’re going. Human beings lived and thrived long before cell phones came along. You can wait.
6. Exercise photo discretion
Because many cell phones have cameras, people need to be aware of their surroundings.
“Inappropriate use of cameras is certainly a concern, whether its a camera phone, camera or video camera,” Davis said. “But camera phones can be an added benefit when used appropriately.”
Many places like health clubs, locker rooms and swimming pools ban the use of cell phones, so people should be sensitive to where they are snapping shots.
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