You see it all the time, people using their smart phones and cell phones in a rude fashion. Perhaps we need to come up with some rules of etiquette that covers these handy devices. Some of these are actually law, some are common sense and some ought to be obvious to everyone.
Driving: You know that it’s illegal to text and drive, but it doesn’t stop everyone from doing it. While it isn’t technically illegal yet, apping and driving isn’t a good idea, either. Using your phone can distract you and cause serious accidents. If you need to look something up on your phone or reply to a text message, pull off the road, stop the car and handle the situation. That’s the safe way to do it.
Walking: Have you any idea how dangerous it is to text, watch movies or use apps on a phone while you’re walking down the street? I can think of three bad outcomes immediately.
The sidewalk isn’t always even. If you aren’t looking where you’re going, you may find yourself sprawling on the ground. There’s a two inch sharp change in pavement height within eyesight of my writing desk. I’m surprised some of the kids going down the street haven’t come a cropper there.
You aren’t the only one who may be distracted. Someone backing out of their driveway may not see you. If you don’t see the driver, there is likely to be a painful connection between you and that car.
The scariest one to me is the predator. Not everyone in the world is nice, and someone may be watching from behind a bush for a likely target. They may want your phone, they may want to rape you and/or they may want to kill you. Doesn’t that make walking and phone use just a little more frightening?
Dining/Visiting: This is just plain rude. If you are in company, ignoring them and using your phone is a social faux pas. If there is only one other person with you, how do you think that makes him or her feel? Put the phone away and enjoy the company of the people you are with. You can read e-mail, watch movies or text someone later.
In Class: If I were your teacher and caught you texting in class, your phone would be mine, at least until the end of the day. In fact, I’d probably have your parents come to get it so they’d know what happened. It doesn’t matter how clever you try to be, teachers know. Not only does it distract you from what the teacher is trying to teach, it may indicate that you are trying to cheat. Stick it back in your pocket and use it between classes or after school.
There are probably caveats to most of these etiquette ideas, but not many. Using your phone inappropriately could cost you a lot. One of those things it could cost you is your life.