Mobile Technology Etiquette
Polite and Mannerly Ways to Use High-Tech Communications Tools
Oct 21, 2008
Cell phones and Blackberries are a way of life and have touched almost everyone's life. Manners and being polite seem forgotten the minute the cell phone rings.
It never fails. Just as the movie, concert or church service is about ready to start, a cell phone rings. Everyone checks their own cell phone to see if it is ringing. Then, when the person answers their phone, how many times have you thought to yourself how disruptive it is to the event and why some people just cannot resist answering.
Just what are the proper mobile technology etiquette rules? There are five manners detailed below for using cell phones, Blackberries and text messaging.
Cell Phone Manners
- Never take personal cell phone calls in a business meeting.
- Keep the phone on vibrate or turn it off during meetings or when attending church, movies, concerts or other public events that will disturb others in attendance.
- If you are expecting an urgent call during a meeting, warn others in the meeting and apologize for the inconvenience.
- Maintain a 10-foot distance from others while talking on a cell phone in public places.
- Hold private calls in private locations.
Blackberry Surfing in a Meeting
- Use an email filter so that you are not receiving so many emails on the Blackberry. You can forward some of the email to other email addresses.
- Getting that first Blackberry brings out the must show it off attitude. Keep in mind it is showing off and on the rude side to lay the Blackberry on someone’s table, counter or on someone’s desk. Technology does not prove one’s importance so keep that Blackberry tucked away in a pocket, purse or briefcase.
- No texting or surfing when dining with others, especially in a restaurant.
- Keep the ring tones subtle.
- There are certain situations that it may be better to leave the Blackberry at the office or in the car such as when going into important meetings or for family events such as weddings and graduations.
When to Text…or Not to Text
- Sending mass text messages about special events such as a birth of a baby is inappropriate.
- If someone calls you and leaves a voice message, it’s better to call them back rather than respond with a text message unless it is a friend calling about why you are late.
- Using too many text-speak abbreviations is annoying and may confuse someone not used to using the LOL abbreviations.
- It is always inappropriate to text message during a business meeting, job interview, doctor’s appointment, family emergency or while using a land-line telephone.
- Forget about texting, emailing or calling someone when you can talk face-to-face with them.
Need More Information?
There are a number of web sites that discuss the above manners and more. Two of the best are www.geekzone.com and www.microsoft. com/smallbusiness/resources.
The copyright of the article Mobile Technology Etiquette in Mobile Technology is owned by Patricia Faulhaber. Permission to republish Mobile Technology Etiquette in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
