Mind Your Cell Phones Manners

Cell phones are becoming an ever-present accessory. It all started with business persons who wanted to continue to conduct their businesses anywhere. Soon after, most people caught up with the trend. Nowadays, it’s common to see children and even elder people with their own phones.

Lebanese people have always been keen to being among the first to get their hands on new technologies. Most Lebanese change their cell-phone devices as soon as a new model comes out. God forbid we can be seen with an “old ancient mobile phone”! :-)

Anyway, now most people have cell-phones. This means we could be reached anytime and anywhere. That can be a blessing or - oh yeah – sometimes, a curse!

And with the democratization of cell-phones, people tried to adapt and developed a sort of etiquette for their proper use. Whenever a new communications technology becomes popular, it changes the way society is organized. Society has to invent rules for the polite way to use the new devices. Our social etiquette, our rules of politeness for cell phones, is really just common courtesy based on common sense.

In fact, many people rightfully complain about cell phone users talking loudly on their phone and discussing personal matters in public places.
They complain when cell phones ring in churches or any other worship places, in concert halls, in movie theaters and in restaurants; even worse, it’s so annoying when the owners actually answer the call in such places!
They complain about people driving recklessly or very slowly, and not paying attention to where they are going because they are talking on a cell phone.

Cell-phone etiquette should apply to most public places. So we might want to choose an appropriate ring tone according to the setting. We have to try and keep our phone ringer as low as possible or put our mobile phone on vibrate, so it does not distract the people around us. When we have to answer calls, no need to shout! We must keep our voice to a low, conversational tone; we will be heard by the caller, and not others in the room. When we get a call and we're with friends, better to keep the call short.

It’s a good idea to leave our phone at home, or at least in the car, when we’re at a funeral, wedding or some event along those lines.
When we need to communicate with someone and it’s inappropriate to place a call, such as during a business meeting or a formal visit, text messaging could be a good alternative to deliver important messages.

There are no fines for bad cell-phone manners, although there are contraventions for talking while driving. So watch out! But like all good manners, they are a sign of respect for ourselves and for others. They are an integral part of building successful relationships!

*** Ring, Ring *** Ring, Ring *** Ring, Ring ***
Oops…

Sorry guys, I must take this call ;-)