Cellphone Etiquette

Cellphones are popular because they are relatively inexpensive, small, and they are portable entertainment center. Unfortunately, some people do not use common sense when using cellphones in public. I will discuss several examples below.
People talking loudly: This is not necessary since today’s cellphones’ mikes are sensitive enough to pick up a whisper. Other people do not wish to hear about another person’s play-by-play of an argument or drama. Also, some people discuss topics that should not be in public. If you must use a cellphone for an extended period of time, either whisper or go to an area that would not disturb people.

People Blasting Music with or without headphones: That’s rude. Just lower the volume so no one other than you can listen to the music. Also, blasting music while wearing headphones may cause hearing problems in the future.

People Staring at their cellphones while walking as though they are hypnotized: This is unsafe because a person may hit another pedestrian or a vehicle, or may be hit by a vehicle.

About eight months ago, I saw a person staring into his cellphone while walking across an outdoor mall street. He walked into the front right-side door of a cab. After the impact, the cellphone person turned into a lean, mean, cursing machine, shouting obscenities at the shocked cab driver. I could not believe what I witnessed. The cellphone person was lucky he was not injured or killed. A person should be aware of their surroundings at all times.

　

Talking on the cellphone or texting while driving: This is dangerous. Many people have been killed doing the above. Wait until you are not driving before talking or texting.

Using a cellphone at the checkout counter: I’ve witnessed some cellphone users get an attitude when the POS person politely asked a question. Is the call that important? Wait until the POS process is completed.

Using cellphones at a funeral: I was at a funeral less than two years ago. Not only were some people texting with the auto-key-click (audible touch-tone) on but also talking during the beginning of the service. The pastor had to interrupt the service and politely asked people to turn off their cellphones. Using the cellphone during a funeral is disrespectful to the deceased and to the deceased's  family. Was it important to speak or text during the funeral?

A person should be considerate of others while using a cellphone in public.

I have discussed only a few examples of misusing cellphones in public. Feel free to post some of your experiences with people not using cellphone etiquette.