Cell phones are great and smartphones are even better. They allow us to stay connected and keep in touch with our friends and family.
But, with the good, there is some bad. According to a survey conducted by LifeHacker, the top of the bad list includes people talking on their phones while driving, burying themselves in text messaging and generally being addicted to their devices in social settings.
Because July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, here are some tips for using your devices responsibly and courteously:
- Be considerate of others. When dining out with others, refrain from answering your phone, checking your email or Tweeting at the table. Use silent or vibrate mode to alert you to incoming calls when appropriate. If you think an outgoing call might interrupt or disturb the recipient, send a text message instead. Or excuse yourself. It’s perfectly OK to step away from the table or go into another room to take or make an important call.
- Know your place. Libraries, theaters, museums and houses of worship are no place for a ringing phone. Speak quietly while riding on public transportation.
- Let your phone do the work. Use caller ID to screen calls or let voicemail take a message. Use text messaging to communicate discreetly.
- Respect others’ privacy. Ask permission before taking a photo or shooting video of someone with the built-in camera on your smartphone.
- Be a wireless Samaritan. Wireless phones can be invaluable during emergencies. Lives can be saved, crimes prevented and drunk drivers apprehended. Remember, dialing 911 is always a free call.
It’s easy to allow our connectivity to become a problem when we place more importance on it than common courtesy, so take the time this month to be courteous to others as you use your device. After all, we do lead by example.
(Tips courtesy of AT&T)