10 Rules of Smartphone Etiquette

Do you remember life before smartphones? I didn't have my first cell phone until my middle son was 2 years old.  I remember thinking it was so cool and awesome to have that flip phone.  I liked the security it provided.  I was a single mom at the time and having a cell phone was a great way to stay safe ~ to make sure that if I was out with the kids and found myself needing help I could contact someone.  I'm not much of a phone talker as anyone who knows me can attest to so I really only used it to find out things I needed to know or to relay messages such as, "I'm on my way".  That sort of thing.  I find now, though, that I use my smartphone all the time.  I use it to browse the internet, get directions, text, answer emails, check the weather and so much more.  I also find that I run the risk now more than ever of being RUDE. 

I remember the days when visiting with someone was a visit between you and them or when you had dinner with family or friends ~ YOU ATE DINNER and had conversation.  The same goes for parties.  When you were at a party you were there to mingle, have fun and connect without the internet being involved. 

Now, though, oh my goodness, don't get me started. I can't tell you how often I've been at a function, a dinner, party, etc., and the people I'm with have their heads down in their phone.  WHY?  Honestly, I think it's rude.  So now I'm going to go all Miss Manners and share some Rules of Smartphone Etiquette and while I am absolutely positive none of YOU break any of these rules you may have someone in your life who does that you could politely share this post with and hope that they get the hint. 

10 Rules of Smartphone Etiquette

1.  Don't text or check your phone when speaking with others.  Whether you're at Starbucks ordering a frappuccino or at a table with friends give others your full attention. 

2.  Ring tones.  Choose ring tones that aren't loud and obnoxious.   You might just scare the bejeebers out of someone or offend them if your ring tone is about liking big butts and you make eye contact with them while answering the phone. 

3.  Lower your voice.  Not everyone wants to hear what you have to say or hear about things that should be kept private.  I've been out with my kids and have had to explain things I would have preferred NOT explaining because of things they've overheard. 

4.  Turn off your phone or choose vibrate when you are at church, the movies or at a meal.

5.  If you're in a public space like an elevator or using publictransportation try not to converse at that time. 

6.  Make an effort to be in the moment.  When you're at a party enjoy the company of those around you.  When you have alone time you can text and chat all you want.

7.  When watching television with family or friends put the phone down.  Time with family and friends should be cherished. 

8.  If you are at a concert or other public place please, please, please don't hold your phone up to record the event the entire time.  There are other people trying to see what's going on as well and if your phone is hampering their view that's just plain rude.

9.  Taking pictures of yourself with other people and posting them all over the internet just because you look so darn good ~ maybe the other people in the picture don't want their faces all over the place.  Ask….if they're okay with it post away; if not, maybe crop them out so you can still share how awesome YOU look.

10.  It's not necessary to instagram every plate of food you eat at a restaurant.  Take the picture if you must but let others with you know that they don't have to wait for you to be done to start eating.

It all boils down to respect and appreciation.  If you remind yourself that others are to be respected and your time with them appreciated you'll probably find yourself following these 10 Rules of Smartphone Etiquette without even trying.  

Having a Connected Lifestyle is a sign of the times we live in and can be a wonderful thing especially if you have the right 'stuff' ~ the right smartphone can make a huge difference in your experience and that's why I have a Motorola Droid Turbo.  It's the best phone I've ever had and I'm glad it's at my side wherever I go.  I also have a great carrier ~ Verizon Wireless.  If you're looking for a wireless provider or your carrier has left the scene (that's happened to folks in Virginia) right now you can make the switch to Verizon and get a $150.00 bill credit for up to 4 lines for a total bill credit of up to $600.00 using this link right here ---- Switch to Verizon and SAVE!

[Tweet "Switch to Verizon and get a $150 Bill Credit for up to 4 lines~that's a $600 savings! #MoreVA #VZWBuzz" https://more.vzw.com/switchtosave/"]

I'd also like to invite you join the #VZWBuzz team at our weekly chats every Friday at 3 p.m. ET where the discussion is always centered around having the best possible connected lifestyle experience {and there are fabulous prizes}.  You can find out more about those chats and how to win prizes at The Online Mom. 

Do you have any etiquette tips to add to the list above?  

Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your time with me!