Let's Talk About Cell Phone Etiquette

Technology can be a wonderful thing. And then again, it can be a pain in the butt. Especially when it comes to cell phones. Cell phones are an effective way to keep in touch with home, with your job or your business, with your friends and extended family, with anyone in the world, in fact. Millions of people have successfully learned how to use a cell phone, especially in the past decade. Yet many of these same people seem to forget to use some common-sense manners when it comes to using their cell phones. So, let's talk about cell phone etiquette.

Probably the worst offense that cell phone users commit, is to answer a call when they're standing right by you. Whether you're standing in a line at the bank or the grocery store, or are seated at a restaurant, you're bound to hear a cell phone ring nowadays. Personally, I don't mind it much if the person answers the call, chats for a minute, then hangs up. Even if I can hear from their end of the conversation that the call wasn't real important. Even if the call is just a request for them to pick up a loaf of bread on their way home, for example. I can be that tolerant. But, I've seen, and, unfortunately heard, many people get on their cell phones and chat like they're talking to a long-lost friend. It's annoying. And it's not proper cell phone etiquette.

To do my part when it comes to cell phone etiquette, I make it a point to leave mine in the car when I'm out in public doing errands. I could leave it in my bag and shut it off, but it's easier just to leave it behind for a little while. If anyone calls while I'm doing my errands, they can leave a voicemail message. I can pick that up when I'm back in the car and am back in my own private space.

When I'm expecting an important call, I switch my cell phone over to "vibrate." I then place it in my pocket. That way, I can still receive my call without bothering the people around me too much.

If you think that chatting on cell phones in public isn't really an etiquette problem, consider that the New York City Council voted to pass a law in 2002 about this very same thing! The law bans using cell phones at public performances in the city. This means there would be no more annoying ringtones heard at libraries, movies, concerts, museums, et cetera. It would still be legal to use cell phones at sporting events, however. And they are also allowed to be used anywhere as long as the call is an emergency.

The second offense that many cell phone users make, goes along with answering their phones in public areas. It's talking loudly. Granted, even though the landscape is dotted with cell phone towers, the reception you get isn't always the greatest. But, talking louder won't cure that! Yelling into your cell phone only annoys people around you. And I'm not alone in my opinion on this. Synovate, a market research company, conducted a poll that revealed approximately 72% of my fellow Americans agree that one of the worst faux pas to commit in cell phone etiquette is talking loudly in public.

When you answer your own phone, whether it be a cell phone or a land line, your number one tip off that the caller is on a cell phone is if they're yelling or not.

And finally, it's just plain rude not to excuse yourself before you answer your cell phone when you're speaking to someone in person. If the call isn't a matter of life-and-death, you should tell the caller you'll have to call them back. Then, turn your attention back to the person you were speaking to in the first place. It's just plain common courtesy. It's just part of the cell phone etiquette that we all should use.