Top 10 Etiquette and Manners for modern Cell Phone usage

Smartphones are integrated part of our lives. We lose the value of face-to-face contact when we can do text, email, and call. Pew Research Center states that 30 percent of young adults who own a cell phone pretend to be using their phone, to avoid social interaction.

Ninety-five percent of U.S adults own a cellular device. However, spending lesser time on the phone and more time in the actual interactions improves our face-to-face relationship building.

With that, here are 10 modern cell phone manners & etiquette tips to use as a courtesy and respect for other people:

1. Hide your cell phone: Keep your phone out of sight when in a gathering or as simple as an intimate date. Placing your phone on the table or desk appears that you rather use your phone rather be in there right now.
   According to Forbes, 84% of working professionals view texting or sending emails during a formal business meeting is highly uncouth and rude.
2. Going Discreet: Turning off your cell phone before meetings, meals, and meaningful moments is a sign of being polite and responsible. Go silent or in vibrate if you really can’t turn it off. Your phone is not a replacement for an in-person meeting.
3. Exceptions: Doctors, nurses, first responders, and health providers are just some of the exceptions, whom are expected to deliver quick service to people who need medical attention. Also, those that are expecting emergency calls, parents who have an infant with a babysitter, or a person with a caregiver are also exempted.
4. Saying, “ Excuse Me”: Excuse yourself as quietly and calmly as possible from the gathering with an apology if you need to take an urgent call. For example, “I apologize, this is really important. Please excuse me. I will return in a moment.”
5. Prudent Content Checking: Once a text, tweet or post is sent, it’s live. You can delete it, but posting in the Internet has some ways of biting you back! YouGov Omnibus survey revealed that 57% of Americans regret a text or social media post they’ve sent. Using common sense and not posting inappropriate photos will help you filter your content.Avoid profanity. Before giving a piece of your mind on chats and email, please consider these:

• Step away from your phone for a while. Take a deep breath, and count to 30 to attempt to dissolve negative emotions towards the receiver
• Ask a someone’s advice whether your content is appropriate
• Think about the repercussions – is it really worth it going that far?

6. Respond promptly and accordingly: Respond in an appropriate and timely manner by apologizing for missing a message. Then respond with substance.
7. 10-foot rule: Move 10 feet away from the building including windows when making a call. Go outside when taking a call while in a house of worship, medical office, library, theatre, or hospital. Confidential conversations should not be done in planes, trains, and automobiles.
8. Avoid driving and using a phone: Smartphone use while driving is banned in some cities, including Austin, Texas. Drive to a safe area away from traffic if you really need to use your phone. Hands-off, bluetooth options are integrated to new car technology. Be attentive to the road and use caution. Safety first!
9. The Cellular Crutch: Phone isn’t a gadget to turn-to when you are not sure what to do in uncomfortable situations. Take time to engage in face-to-face interaction. Making your phone a crutch will keep you from truly connecting with new people. Practice improving your social skills by having conversations. Turn your cell phone off, or just leave it hidden in the car.
10. Turn Your Attention Towards Other Hobbies: We tend to use our phones everywhere. Even at parties, work, or before we go to sleep. This largely influences how much, or how little, we accomplish daily. Make an effort to focus on projects, without the distraction of constantly checking your phone for email, texts, or surfing the web.

Cell phone addiction is real. Don’t be a part of the 72 percent of people who won’t turn their face away from their phone screen. Start practicing these modern cell phone manners and etiquette tips so you will develop excellent habits!

Mendel Mendelovits specializes in finding cost savings in operations, helping other companies set up their eComm. He founded Unlimited Cellular US trusted source for cell phone accessories in 2001 and he is currently the Chief Marketing Officer of Out of Warranty Franchising since 2009.