Cell Phone Etiquette
My husband 'makes fun' of my technological challenges (of which I admittedly have many)... including texting with cell phones. It takes me approximately 2 minutes to text a very simple message. I'd much rather make an actual phone call, talk to the person, hang up, and be done!
But one thing I struggle with more than the idea of technology is how commonplace cell phones have become... and how 'acceptable' it seems to be to use them anywhere, anytime.
In my classes at work, I've instituted a rule where trainees may bring cell phones with them, but if a call comes in they must excuse themselves to take the call. I find it disruptive, inconsiderate, and somewhat insulting that certain individuals find personal calls to be more important than work responsibilties. Don't get me wrong - I've kept my cell phone with me 24/7 when there were dire circumstances or potential emergency calls I was expecting. However, that is rare.
Anyway, what about the person who takes a call in a public place (on a bus, in a meeting, etc.) and proceeds to talk so loudly that the rest of us have to stop talking because we are distracted. Or, the cell phone junkie who has to check his/her phone for potential messages so often that it's more of a compulsion than not. Why do we allow this behavior when it interrupts a conversation, a meeting, a class, anything? Why have cell phones taken over our every day human interactions?
I don't mean to be dramatic; maybe I'm just uptight and old fashioned. But I really don't believe in the need to be 'connected' all day, every day. The way of our world is turning to full-time phone usage as commonplace, and I'm fighting it as diligently as possible. I cherish my quiet time very much. And I don't like it when that quiet time is interrupted by people's lack of cell phone etiquette.
But one thing I struggle with more than the idea of technology is how commonplace cell phones have become... and how 'acceptable' it seems to be to use them anywhere, anytime.
In my classes at work, I've instituted a rule where trainees may bring cell phones with them, but if a call comes in they must excuse themselves to take the call. I find it disruptive, inconsiderate, and somewhat insulting that certain individuals find personal calls to be more important than work responsibilties. Don't get me wrong - I've kept my cell phone with me 24/7 when there were dire circumstances or potential emergency calls I was expecting. However, that is rare.
Anyway, what about the person who takes a call in a public place (on a bus, in a meeting, etc.) and proceeds to talk so loudly that the rest of us have to stop talking because we are distracted. Or, the cell phone junkie who has to check his/her phone for potential messages so often that it's more of a compulsion than not. Why do we allow this behavior when it interrupts a conversation, a meeting, a class, anything? Why have cell phones taken over our every day human interactions?
I don't mean to be dramatic; maybe I'm just uptight and old fashioned. But I really don't believe in the need to be 'connected' all day, every day. The way of our world is turning to full-time phone usage as commonplace, and I'm fighting it as diligently as possible. I cherish my quiet time very much. And I don't like it when that quiet time is interrupted by people's lack of cell phone etiquette.
Comments
However, I only take the call when I know who it is, or I know the people I am meeting with.
Otherwise - I will get back to you period.
Plus - it is dangerous in the car, on our way out to Ohio a guy merged into our lane because he didn't see us because his hand was holding a cellphone making his blind spot 3x bigger!