Places and Situations to Hang Up or Hide the Cell Phone  

It’s been a while since the former Verizon spokesman asked, “Can you hear me now?”, but when it comes to the ubiquitous use of cell phones in everyday society, we not only “hear you now,” we hear everyone else, too, nearly everywhere we go. From concerts and movie theatres to restaurants, elevators, restrooms, and waiting areas, electronic interaction is at an all-time high. However, just because one can talk to anyone at any time and at anyplace doesn’t mean it is necessary. According to Pamela Eyring of The Protocol School of Washington, there are proper rules of etiquette that should be considered when using cell phones. “Cell phone use has made communication easier than ever,” says Eyring, “but ironically, cell phones can actually cause us to feel more disconnected than ever.” Eyring explains that overuse of cell phones decreases face to face interaction causing individuals to miss out on more meaningful connections because so many people have their eyes glued to their “black mirror.” She remarks, “In addition, cell phone usage in public spaces can ruin experiences for those around you and cause a lot of ill will.”

When it comes to choosing places to use your cell phone, Eyring suggests a list of places that you should definitely skip.

Restaurants
Using a phone while dining at a restaurant with someone or even having a phone on the table is simply rude. It implies that the dining companion is not a top priority.  This includes checking texts as well as updating your Facebook page or taking a pic of your fabulous meal for the perfect Instagram post. To fully engage with your dining partner(s), the phone should be placed in a jacket or purse to keep it out of view. If the phone does ring and it’s a matter of high importance, ask your dining partner if they mind you taking the call. Just asking shows you care. There are exceptions, of course. In the situation where an emergency call is waiting to be answered, inform your dining partner that you may have to take a call. Be mindful in all accounts and keep the focus on the real-life humans at the dinner table.

Waiting Rooms and Service Lines
Medical waiting rooms are not a place to use your cell phone unless it is absolutely necessary. Consider that your fellow patients may be going through deeply personal medical issues and that the waiting room should be calm, quiet and peaceful as possible. Hearing a stranger’s intimate conversation is not only annoying, it is a disruption. Again, if a call must be made, simply step outside into the hallway or try to text any message crucial to convey.

When it comes to waiting in line at the post office or the DMV, boredom can set in. Typically, waiting in line means sharing space with a long line of impatient people and tempers can run hot. The last thing anyone waiting in a long line needs to hear is the minutiae of one’s everyday life. Again, it’s annoying and can cause friction and disgruntled feelings from people who simply want to get in and out of a line as quickly as possible.

Retail shops
While shopping in a retail establishment, a loud cell phone conversation can ruin the ambience or store experience for fellow shoppers. Often, people need to concentrate on sizes, selection and simply enjoy the experience of retail therapy. A loud cell phone talker can disrupt that experience and also be a block to sales assistants who may want to help a shopper or inform them of a special sale.

Offices and Shared Workspaces
Imagine working on a deadline for the boss trying to finish a big project, and a coworker in the adjacent cubicle is taking a personal call to argue with a spouse or child. This is not only distracting but limits productivity for everyone. Of course, everyone needs to be aware of work/ life balance, and there are many times a personal call must be taken. Try to step away from a shared workspace and slip in an empty conference room or designated break room to conduct personal business. Coworkers and the boss will be appreciative.

Public Performances, Films and Live Theatre
From the singer Alicia Keyes banning cell phones at her concerts to Broadway stars stepping out of character to berate a texting theatre patron, there is much disdain for cell phones from performing artists. Using a cell phone in a theatre, classroom setting or anywhere where the focus should remain on the presenter, shows extremely poor taste and a lack of respect for those on stage as well as those attending the show. A good rule of thumb is to immediately shut your phone off when attending any kind of performance, speech or concert—and that means no texting and definitely no pics or calls.

Other situations and places to avoid using your phone include:

• Meetings
• Weddings and funerals
• Crossing or walking down a street
• Public restrooms
• Checking out at the register
• Cultural spaces or events
• Driving (and this means no texting too!)

Remember these best practices when it comes to cell phone use.  Connecting with others on a more human level and maintaining more meaningful connections are just two reasons to put the cell phone away.  Also, it’s important to be aware of others and not ruin their experiences by conversing in public places where quiet time is appreciated. Applying cell phone etiquette to everyday scenarios will help one become more aware of the people and scenery around them!