Use Manners While on a Cell Phone
Cell phone usage has grown exponentially over the last decade, in not only the United States, but worldwide. With more and more disparate groups of cell phones users, there is a need to quantify appropriate locations to use them. Some people just lack the manners and basic common sense in their use. Cell phone etiquette is not a universally practiced idea; each person does wha they feel is appropriate.
Distractions vs Positives
There is no denying that cell phones have many positive aspects, such as increased awareness, productivity, and emergency response. Cell phones have changed the social dynamic of our society, and it is almost unheard of to see someone without a cell phone today. There are times, though, that cell phones are a distraction, either just rude usage, or simply unsafe and dangerous. Many studies have concluded, for example, that driving while on the phone is almost as distracting as driving under the influence of alcohol. That statistic goes up farther when taking into account “texting,” rather than simply speaking. Another safety example would be talking on a cell phone while riding a bike. There is no safe way to maintain control of a bicycle, while one hand is holding a cell phone and conversing.
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One Rude Dude
Cell phones have unfortunately caused the population to be rude and have less concern for the people around them. Talking on a cell phone during a movie, or at a funeral, seems inherently rude, and might seem like extreme examples. In fact, the only reason they are included here is precisely because it happens.
Block or Fine? That is the question
While some may advocate a technological solution to the problem, such as, devices intended to block cell phone signals, the problem remains that cell phones are a necessity everywhere in our society. Blocking cell phone signals is inherently dangerous, especially if an emergency worker is in the blocking location working. Instead of a technological solution, civil penalties could be leveled instead, hearkening to the days of being penalized for “walking on the grass.” In this way, the deterrent is avoiding a fine, and changing the attitude. This would work much better, and be safer for communities.
Comments
Well said, Frog! I think it is totally awesome you don't have one! If I didn't need one for my job, I might just join you.
I find people using cells in restaurants extremely annoying. I know they are a good thing to have in case of emergencies and chatting to friends but surely we can live without chatting and texting for a couple of hours.
Before the banned laws came into effect a young boy of 18 drove off the road whilst texting just a few yards pat my place, he died instantly. Was the message worth his life.
I think one of the worst things is when you're behind someone on the highway, they are going at 10 mph less than the posted speed limit, they are driving in the fast lane, and they're on their cell phone!
Oh yes! Here in Europe we call them mobile phones. I tell you I walk along the street and wonder what this man or woman is trying to say to me and their not talking to me but speaking on their mobile phone. I get very worried when I take public transportation we have drivers with one hand on the wheel and one with the mobile phone pressed to their ears!!!
I have a cell phone but I only use it if I am running late or in case of emergency.
I don't understand those who are constantly on their cells just babbling away.
Voted up and awesome.
Being an author and doing presentations, running my own business, and a zillion friends all over the country from where I've lived everywhere, I thank heavens for cell phones. No more ten zillion messages on an answering machine, I now take the calls as they come in!
Everyone makes good points. I can see Klaceyjsmith's need for a cell phone, being all over the country, running a business, etc.... I do agree that most people however, are rude and reckless in their use of cell phones. I have one for my job, for calling long distance, and for emergencies. I hate the tediousness of texting, and I don't care to be connected all the time, anyway. Friends who answer cells while they're with me (or texts) drive me crazy. And texting or even talking on the phone in a vehicle should be against the law everywhere. If it's that important, pull over. Good hub! This is a hot topic--the more awareness, the better.
Great hub, jeff. This is so true in today's situation.
I hate when someone is walking in the mall or at a store with a cell phone in his or her hand and walks into because he or she is too preoccupied to care that you are even there. Great hub. It truly describes our society well.
Good hub, thejeffriestube. I think not nearly enough is being done in terms of making folks aware of cell phone etiquette. Perhaps service providers should provide a set of 'decency rules' with every phone. When the cell phone rings, manners seem to disappear out the window! Thanks for writing about this.
I find it funny that the thing people seem to use their mobile phone for most of all, is to ask the question "where are you?". They're like seriously confused shepherds trying to figure out where their flock is at. Sometimes, especially at school, it's like being in a strange Dr Seuss world, where the only thing creatures say is "Where are you?" "where are you?" "Where are you?"
We keep a cell in the car for emergency. We rarely use it for anything and then only briefly, but never while driving. Most people I see with cell phones in public are rude and inconsiderate, but what really irritates me is when I see texting while driving.
I know this is correct. Cell phones, computers, and automobiles all sometimes act like insulators - people seem to sometimes feel like they are able to just act any way they wish because they aren't right there face to face with whoever they are being rude to.
I've caught myself, of course, doing the same things even - so I'm pretty sure that most everyone is susceptible.
Haha, great hub. It made me smile. I guess annoying cell phone users are just people we have to live with. Thanks for writing this! Voting up, useful and interesting.
I can remember when cell phones were just coming out and if someone used it in public, others thought it "appalling." That has sure changed but now it's gone the other way where people don't know when to shut it off. Great hub for the times.
I completely agree with this hub. I have to say cellphones are obnoxious, and find myself guilty of being a cellphone DB sometimes. Great hub, up and useful, interesting
Well, I was drawn to your title via "reflex" when I read "Why is there a Lack of Manners......" and then caught off-guard, expecting the next word to be "EVERYWHERE.?".....That pretty much sums up what I wonder about!! Great hub. I use a simple pay-up-front to carry with me when driving alone. That's it. Other than that, I don't want to be reached. Know what I mean?
Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. Unfortunately, I'm on call 24/7 for my job, but at least I don't have to pay the phone bill!
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This is a problem!
Another great article, Dave.
In California, it's against the law to use a cell phone while driving if you're not using the speaker option. You'll receive a large fine if you're caught having a phone conversation while holding your cell phone.
I agree. Not all cell user know and the sad part some know but dont practice basic etiquette.
The only bad manner i have when using cellphone is dropping the line without saying goodbye.. :(
I have had a cell phone for 13 years and can not live without it even if I don't use it very much. I can leave the house without my cell phone in my pocket. What really annoys me is when people call me and I don't pick up because I don't hear it ring, and later they ask me why. I think cell phones make people feel stressed. I use a cell phone at work and there it's a necessary tool because it's connected to a computer program we use. Cell phones are both good and bad.
frogtalk 7 months ago
I totally agree...
I don't own a cell-phone and I think it's awesome! (not that I think it's wrong, I just don't want to have that expense right now)Some people don't know how I live without a cell, the truth is: quite well! I can focus on the relationships that are at hand, with the person beside me!
It bugs me so much when in the middle of a conversation a friend says, "Wait a sec, I have to answer this call or text this person." Most of the time, I don't think it's probably that urgent. People just feel like they have to answer right away...people can wait!