FACT: Cell phones have taken over the world!
I remember last year when I went to India, I was shocked to see that people who lived in slums had cell phones! The people may not have had new clothes, nutritious or decadent meals, or even a roof over their head, but they did in fact have cell phones.
With new technology, however, comes new rules of etiquette. Cell phone etiquette is especially important to learn early on because we still live in a world where some believe it’s okay to pull out your cell phone anytime, anywhere and you may come off as rude!
As a college student, it’s important to have a basic idea of what is okay and what’s not okay—whether you’re meeting friends, a professor, are at an internship or at a meal with your co-workers.
RESTAURANT CELL ETIQUETTE:
Unless you’re in the presence of close friends, restaurant cell phone etiquette is pretty much the same:
Never take a phone call at the table or reply to an email at the table; if you need to do so, excuse yourself and handle your business.
An occasional quick text or two is not the end of the world, but make sure it’s not too frequent.
If you notice someone watching you, apologize with an excuse, “Sorry, that was my mom. She needed an urgent reply.”
INTERNSHIP/WORK CELL ETIQUETTE:
Texting is fair game at work, but it really depends on your environment (if you work retail, playing with your phone may not be appreciated).
If you have any doubt, ask your boss! That being said, if your boss or peers seem to stumble upon you texting all the time (regardless of whether you text all the time or not) it may come off as if you’re not being constructive!
Be careful: Some employers may find your incessant texting a major problem and could fire you on the grounds of “texting too much.”
OFFICE HOURS/LECTURES CELL ETIQUETTE:
If you’re sitting in the front row, don’t text! It’s insulting to the professor (and probably distracting, too) and sends one simple message: I don’t care what you think.
If your fingers can’t stay away from the keypad too long, then sit 2-3 rows behind your professor and text discretely. Needless to say, never take a phone call in class/lecture.
If you’re attending office hours, don’t take any calls! Your professor has taken out time to help YOU improve in his/her class—don’t undermine them by texting while they’re talking or picking up your girlfriends phone call.
If you’re waiting to meet your professor, then texting is fine, but remember: A phone call can be too intrusive and/or distracting.
