Smartphone and Tablet Etiquette: 10 Rules

We’ve all seen it, we’ve all done it.  Now what are we going to do to fix it?  Smartphones are now ubiquitous.  Young, old, for business or for personal, everyone seems to have one.  Although these devices provide us with the access we need to run our lives in the modern world, they’ve also become a vehicle of social annoyance, personal harm and disrespect.

You can have a smartphone…and leave it alone too.

1 – Let it go.  We all know at least one person who simply must catch every “significant” moment on film: the baby’s smile, a friend’s funny face or someone’s most humiliating moment.  Just let it happen.  Enjoy the moment instead of missing half of it as you scramble for the camera setting on your phone or tablet computer.  You’ll still have the memory.

2 – Talk about something else.  Just because you own a Smartphone or a tablet and you purchased ten new apps the day before doesn’t mean that’s all you have to talk about.  Everyone knows there is an app for nearly everything.  Try to engage yourself in diversified conversation that doesn’t revolve around apps, smartphones or tablets.

3 – A bathroom entrance means a Smartphone exit.  Whether you’re on the toilet or washing your hands, refrain from bringing your Smartphone into the washroom with you.  Leave it outside.  The last thing you want your friends – or worse yet, your colleagues – to hear as they’re on the line is the sound of running water or a flushing toilet.

4 – Your email isn’t going anywhere.  When our email, Facebook, Twitter and RSS feeds are just an arm’s length away at all times, it’s hard not to check…constantly.  What if something happened?  Did that client email me back yet?  What’s the weather going to be like tomorrow? There will always be a reason to pull out your device and check something.  But what about the people around you?  Think how they must feel when you suddenly tune out to check an email.  They’re the ones sitting right in front of you ready and willing to provide live, in-person interaction.  Isn’t it time we showed them the respect they deserve?

5 – At the cash?  Off the phone.  Whether it’s Subway, the bank, or a grocery store, if it’s your turn in line, tell them you’ll call them back.  Staying on the phone only holds up the line, distracts your attention from where it should be, and shows disrespect to the person providing you a service.

6 – Make a meeting what it should be.  “Meeting” means you’re there to “meet” with others.  Whether it’s a boardroom brainstorming session, a new client meet-and-greet or a staff luncheon, show your respect and actually be there – without the electronic distraction in your purse.

7 – Separate yourself from work.  These days, leaving the office rarely means finishing work.  The smartphones continue to ring, vibrate and beep throughout the evening as new emails arrive, colleagues send text reminders about tomorrow, and phone calls come through from people who forget what nine-to-five means.  Do yourself and your family a favour: shut down the tablet and put your phone on “silent” until tomorrow.

8 – Know the boundaries.  Although in many public and social scenarios smartphone use is frowned upon, there are a few situations in which it’s far worse than that.  At the theatre, a wedding or a funeral, it’s best to have it off altogether.  Don’t de-class your theatre experience, wreck someone’s special day, or show disrespect to those mourning the loss of a loved one.  Your phone can wait.

9 – Lower the volume.  Lots of times we don’t realize that talking on our smartphones often forces us to raise the volume of our voice by several decibels.  This is distracting and bothersome to those around you who have no choice but to listen to your conversation.  If you’re a loud talker, better to save the call for later when you’re in private.

10 – Don’t let driving be part of your multitasks.  Driving is one of those activities that must have your undivided attention.  Don’t text, don’t check your email and don’t make phone calls.  Hands-free or no hands-free, using any electronic device as you drive is not safe for you or the other drivers on the road.

Follow these simple guidelines to avoid finding yourself the source of someone else’s frustrations.  Don’t miss what’s happening around you, as you try desperately to stay connected to what’s not.