U. S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade - Cell Phone Etiquette

July is National Cellphone Courtesy month and U. S. Cellular is celebrating by promoting positive cell phone etiquette.  Everyone is constantly on their cell phone, including me, either talking, texting, or replying to emails.  I just wish everyone used a little cell phone etiquette.  I think there is certain times when it is inappropriate to be on your cell phone. The sounds, rings, beeps from your phone can also be distracting.  I wish everyone agreed with me.


Tips for improving courtesy by busy cellphone users:

- Set the ground rules.  If you have plans to meet a relative for dinner or spend happy hour wiht a group of friends, discuss expectations for phone use.  by determining technology use before the gathering, everyone is able to enjoy the occasion. 
- Seek to understand.  Focus on similarities instead of differences and set a goal to understand those around you.  By understanding other's wireless device use,  you'll be more courteous of their expectations.
- Don't be a buzz kill.  Putting a phone on vibrate during a meeting or event can be a good idea, as vibration mode is meant to alert only you.  However, it can distract others if the phone is placed on a table in a meeting or meal.  Put the phone in a pocket, where it can alert you to a call but isn't disturbing others.  If you forget to turn off the ringer and get an unexpected call, phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 stop ringing by simply flipping over the device.
- Avoid being blinded by the light.  Adjust screen brightness prior to entering a dimly lit space, such as a restaurant, recital or school play.  this allows you to use the device to take photos or use social media without disturbing those around you.

Interesting Facts:

A Pew Research survey found that 67% of cellphone owners find themselves checking their phones for messages, alerts or calls - even when they don't notice their phone ringing or vibrating. 


According to a recent U. S. Cellular survey, 37% of users say others get upset with them for phone use, while 63% say they get upset at others for phone use. (Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 2, 2013, 500 nationally representative online interviews were conducted among smartphone users in partnership with Maritz Research.)

As may be expected, smartphone owners who are over the age of 54 have stronger etiquette beliefs than younger users - Among adults 55-64, 82% think it is rude to check your phone while talking with someone else, and 80% think its rude to check while dining.

63% of users 18-34 think it is rude to be on your phone while talking to someone else, while 57 percent think it is rude to check while dining. 

Women are more likely to prefer texting over men.  They are also more likely to have checked or used their phone to avoid conversations. 

63% of people believe that no one gets upset at them for their phone use.  This is the same proporation that sometimes gets upset with other for using phone or tablet.  


Disclosure:  I am a compensated member of the U.S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade.  All opinions are my own.