Practice Common Courtesy In This Age Of Technology

On February 7, 1994, I wrote a column admitting to the world that I was a cellularholic. Hopelessly addicted to having my cellular phone with me 24 hours a day. Ziplocked in the shower. In its own little floaty when I swam. I felt it was important to come forward. I admitted that I had met the challenge and there was hope for others. Now it is time to suggest some rules of etiquette for cell phone use, based on recent experiences.

Cellular phones are excellent tools of technology. They can save us time, keep loved ones informed and help us in many constructive ways.

Initially, cellular phones were so scarce that having one was something of a symbol of prestige. Some marketers even sold fake phones to allow the weak and fantasful among us to glean the praise without the cost. The only requirement was the ability to talk into an empty plastic shell resembling a phone without laughing and thereby exposing the ruse.

Now cellular phones are free when you sign a service contract. More than 20 million cellular phones are in service. Gone is the prestige value. Now, it is as common to see a two cell phone family as it is to see a two parent family.

Many cell phone users appear to believe that everyone likes to listen to half a conversation that they have no interest or involvement in. Cell phone users speak in waiting lines, waiting rooms, in theaters, in restaurants, at the gym, in the lobbies where we all wait for our children after dance or karate class.

Isn’t it possible that our stress levels go up every time we see another misuse of technology in a public forum? Shouldn’t we work to make ourselves less conspicuous? Shouldn’t we try to lower our profile when we are in a group? Create less noise rather than more? Often, being in a public place, surrounded by a crowd we don’t know, is very stressful for everyone. Rather than acting in a way that could increase the agitation of others, shouldn’t we try to lower it? I think so.

As a recovering cellularholic I feel it necessary to make some suggestions. To try to set up some rules of common courtesy for proper cellular phone use.

True emergency use of cellular phones is always okay. However, have a narrow rather than expansive definition of an emergency.

Consider the use of a cellular phone as if it was a body function. Then ask yourself, “Is this something I should do in public?” Most other people don’t care about your plans or appointments. If you don’t want to waste the time in line, keep a book with you or a cassette recorder with headset. Then you can read or listen to something that will help you improve some aspect of your life. You and others in line with you and enjoy the quiet.

Ask your favorite restaurants to make them cellular free. Or, at least have a no cellular area like they do for smoking. Some restaurants have already posted “no cellular use inside” signs.

Only use a cell phone in a car if you have “hands free” capabilities. It does take a little getting used to, to use the “hands free,” technology.

I felt self conscious about being “hands free” until I had a big laugh at my expense. I drove up to a bank’s drive through to make a deposit. I was on the cell phone, talking heatedly, as I put my deposit into the tube. The women behind the glass wall giggled and pointed. They were sure I was one brick short of a load, talking to myself. Feeling smug, I picked up my cell phone and smiled as I pointed to it, putting an end to their surmise. The laugh was on me. I had to bring them back their deposit tube that I had driven off with.

Think of cell phones as tools and not toys. Use them prudently. Most of us would save some money by using our phones for important rather than trivial reasons.

When in doubt, don’t use the phone. If you have a doubt whether or not where you are is a proper place to use your cell phone, it probably isn’t. Be thoughtful and go to a more private place or wait for a better time. If there is no one around you, that’s probably a good time and place to use your phone.

Technology helps make the world a smaller place, bringing us together. Let’s each do our part to make sure that it’s not too close together. Thank you. I promise I will do my part.