Whether you’re having a drink on the terrace, sitting in the doctor’s waiting room or heading to the supermarket, you will be faced with unwritten rules everywhere. But which smartphone etiquette is involved when using the mobile phone? More than you think. We highlight 8 (unwritten) rules.
Texting, calling or surfing in business
Many people use their mobile phone to pass the time or catch up on social media and follow the news. When you’re in company, however, it’s rude. So put your laptop away or put it face down on the table. It will then distract you less. During a dinner or a meeting, it is also not desirable to constantly watch it. Also in this case, you can optionally place it with the screen down on the table, but it is still better to store it completely. In family or in family it is often another story. It can then be a pleasant joint activity and people get involved regularly. As long as the attention remains for each other, without all those screens.
Take a business conversation
When you talk to someone, they have priority over an incoming call from your mobile phone. Therefore, leave a message on your voicemail so that you can call back later. Or take the call briefly and say you’ll call back later. If the conversation takes longer than this simple announcement, excuse yourself and leave for a while. If you’re on the train or in another public space, keep your conversations short. Going through some practical matters won’t surprise anyone, but discussing your entire love life or other personal matters in detail really isn’t something everyone expects. Also, pay attention to the volume of your voice. People on the phone tend to speak louder than necessary.
Using your mobile in a store during checkout
It comes across as insulting when you use your cell phone when paying. Whether you’re just looking at the screen or having an entire conversation, both situations are unacceptable.
Read also: Hotel etiquette, what (unwritten) rules apply to guests?
Omit sounds
A loud ringtone, incoming apps or playing videos, all sounds that people around you often don’t like. Especially when you have just walked away and the ringtone continues to ring until the caller drops or the device goes to voicemail. Therefore, mute the sound or use headphones/earphones. Also rings when keys are pressed and the speakerphone feature certainly crosses the boundaries for many people.
Use mobile in traffic
Not only is it part of smartphone etiquette, but it is also against the law to use a cell phone in traffic. It’s impossible to keep your attention on traffic on a bike or car if you’re looking at a screen at the same time. Leading to life-threatening situations. Less dangerous, but equally undesirable, is looking at the screen while walking. Anyone who uses the mobile while walking slows down and begins to walk swaying. This is a nuisance for other users, especially on stairs. An exception can be made for the use of navigation. Otherwise, it will be a bit difficult to find the right destination in an unfamiliar place. But make sure you don’t lose sight of the people around you.
At the cinema or during a performance
As soon as the lights go down, your cell phone screen (and, of course, the sound) should also be turned off. Nothing is more distracting than lit screens between you and the movie screen or the stage. Except, of course, in the days when they are used to imitate the lighters of yesteryear. If you want to take a photo or record a video, do not hold your cell phone above your head to avoid someone looking behind you. And limit yourself to a few short moments and don’t record the entire performance. Appreciate the moment itself all the more.
Take pictures with a mobile
The big advantage of cell phone cameras is that they have become better and better. So good that many people no longer need a camera. The 2nd advantage is that you usually have your camera with you and can capture whatever you want. Also in the case of places of interest in, for example, a museum. Always keep other visitors in mind and block their view as briefly as possible.
Read also: How to take better (vacation) photos with your mobile phone, 14 tips
Do not send unsolicited voicemail messages
Instead of sending a text message, voice messages can also be sent. But you’re not pleasing many recipients. Especially when it’s a long message. The receiver is not always in a place where it can be listened to without being disturbed and it is annoying if, for example, 1 or more dates are discussed for an appointment. To recover this, you have to listen to the message again, because it is not readable at a glance. Of course, there are also situations where a spoken message is desirable, but to be sure, discuss what the person you are contacting prefers.
(Source: De Volkskrant, Harpers BAZAAR, Manners, Flair.be, Verizon.com. Photo: Shutterstock)