Mobile Etiquette

Americans' Views on Mobile Etiquette. (2015, August 25). Retrieved November 10, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/08/26/americans-views-on-mobile-etiquette/ 

With the onset of technology more and more "traditional" things come into question. Many times those items are just ignored and never get to the question stage. Etiquette is a good example of this change. People are now distracted by the issue of cell phones everywhere. This includes personal conversations and social media at every twist and turn (Americans', 2015). Yes, this includes restaurants, movies, and parks. 

This review discusses how Americans feel about cell phones and the etiquette that sometimes does or does not follow. When looking at my own cellphone behavior I may fall into some of those areas as well.

92% of all Americans have cellphones and 45 % say they rarely turn it off (Americans', 2015). Check out what else people are saying about cell phone use.

Interestingly enough, cell phone users know that using cell phones at inappropriate times such as social encounters but will still use them anyway (Americans', 2015). The users go on to comment that using the phone during a social interaction could hurt the conversation. Of course, more women feel this way than men (Americans', 2015). That is no real surprise. But the most shocking information is people know that cell phones take away during social encounters but still continue to use them. 

There is an exception to this rule. When the user is using the device to capture moments or events the device becomes more relevant to the event. An even bigger irony.....people are still connecting socially through the cell phone while at another social event (Americans', 2015). In my mind, this is almost hysterical. Some may just say this does not make sense. They are being antisocial to be social. If that even makes sense.

What are people using their cell phones for?

The study goes on to say that young adults use their cell phones in public more than elderly. I think we already knew that. More importantly, the elderly view etiquette in a totally different light than the young. When looking back through the generations, that has always been the case. The parents of teenagers in the 50's believed Elvis was the end to society. Well we are still here and Elvis has nothing on Miley Cyrus. This pattern will never change....older generations will never understand younger generations. At some point, we just have to accept change.

7 pages