Cell Phone Etiquette

Until recently many would not even think about the existence of such a term as "cell phone etiquette". It was born out of painful reality of big cities such as New York, Los Angeles, etc. It's a high time to turn serious about mobile manners.

Besides the fact that we - human beings, are a waisting resources genus, we are also a very noisy specie. People tend to publicly display their lives talking loudly on the cell phone. Anthropologist Blinkoff explains the 'phenomenon' considering that the mobile lifestyle creates "a phantom sense of proximity".

Cell phones can be heard everywhere they should off: at weddings, church services, funerals, lectures, job interviews, and surgical procedures. Nothing can make 'talkers' to cancel a single call.

Measures taken

Recently New York City Council decided to settle the matter by passing a law that bans the use of cell phones in museums and during live performances. Those who can not refrain will risk to support a $50 fine. The intention is very noble but let's be realistic and admit that authorities cannot afford the time and resources to effectively enforce it.

Even a raw statistic would be able to prove that manners aren't improving with increased use of cell phones.

Here are some facts concerning the worst cell phone habits people have:

• having loud conversations in public is considered the worst habit (about 72% of Americans agreed)
• poor cell phone etiquette is observed at least once a day by any of us (7 out of 10 (68%) agreed)

Cell phones aren't the issue

It's not a matter of doubt that cell phones can be extremely important in keeping us safe and connected. So, cell phones are not the issue when talking about cell phone etiquette. We can't be that blind as to blame technologies for all things people are responsible for.

Though the functionality and ease-of-use of cell phones make people lazier, technology and manners are compatible. So unless you are a head of an in-war state or an expectant father, you are raised good enough to cancel a call.

Here we are again in the situation when we need to list up some 'dos' and 'don'ts' to help ourselves manage the issue.

Dos

1. Respect the personal zone of other people. Try to carry on your conversation in a 10-feet area from others.

2. Keep it short! If you can't cancel a call in public make it as brief as possible.

3. Make a list of prohibited places for giving/receiving calls. Make sure that places like libraries, museums, theaters, elevators, cemeteries, waiting rooms, places of worship, enclosed public spaces (auditoriums, public transportation, etc) are listed.

4. Use headset in noisy locations. That will help your voice sound naturally on the other end and to the people surrounding you.

5. Use or ask for "quiet zones"! This will spare other of your conversation and at the same time will make it even more pleasant as you won't feel 'naked'.

Don'ts

1. Don't use loud, drumming and annoying ring tones even if you think they are popular and 'everyone' should like them.

2. Once a conversation in public is carried on make it less emotional or delay it for better case.

3. Don't ruin your business by taking personal cell phone calls during a business meeting, interviews, etc.

4. Don't be a Napoleon! Though you are out of time avoid 'multi-functionality' by making calls while banking, shopping, waiting in line, etc.

5. Don't be ashamed to inform everyone that you've just adopted new cell phone etiquette.