The commandments of cell phone etiquette

[Refugee 7]

Imagining a world with no cell phones is almost an impossible task. But despite society's dependency on Razrs, Blackberries, iPhones and other cellular devices, the world still revolved prior to their proliferation.

Though cell phones provide increased accessibility to communication, they also have an astonishing ability to interrupt and override face-to-face interaction. As this technological tool becomes a staple to life as we know it, consumers become progressively confused with what is and what is not acceptable.

Effective communication is key to interpersonal relationships. Perhaps this cellular confusion is due to the lack of concrete documentation of cell phone etiquette. No matter how many pages make up lengthy instruction manuals, rarely do providers offer consumers a how-to guide explaining when and where cell phone communication is acceptable.

Behind the wheel

Multi-tasking is a great skill to possess in many aspects of life, however there is no place for it in the driver's seat. It is neither advisable nor safe to talk on the phone while juggling a latte, fixing hair and makeup, and belting out Tom Petty, behind the wheel.

According to the Governor's Highway Safety Association, five states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington) prohibit driving while talking on cell phones. The Wisconsin law has yet to insist that individuals hang up the phone before getting behind the driver's seat.

Furthermore, a study performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that motorists who use cellular devices while driving are four times as likely to get into a seriously injurious accident.

Tactful text messaging

The generation gap no longer exists when in comes to text messaging.

"Texting" has become one of the most utilized forms of communication. In fact, statistics from the Mobile Data Association show that on average, 5,000 text messages were sent per second in December of 2007.

Keep in mind the message's recipient and the jargon they'll likely understand (or not understand). Not everyone is familiar with the new texting lingo. Aside from a recent AT & T commercial's famous phrase "idk my bff jill," few acronyms or abbreviations are commonly recognized by those who aren't avid texters.

To answer or not to answer

When in the company of others, avoid accepting phone calls. The disruption can come off as rude and ruin a first impression. If it's an emergency, answer. If not, don't insult others.

Sophomore Whitney Day thinks that it really depends on the situation.

"At times it can make just about everyone around feel awkward," Day said.

Professor Kris Kranenburg has a specific policy regarding cell phone use in class. If a student's cell phone rings, she deducts points from their overall grade.

"It disrupts not only me but the students as well," Kranenburg said.

Talking in public

Don't force blameless strangers to listen to conversations about what happened last Thursday night.

Sophomore and Kohl's employee Allysha Adkins agrees that there is a time and place for everything.

"It's amazing how people will answer their phone to talk about anything while they're in line," Adkins said. "I just stand there like, 'cash or credit?'"

Limit personal cell phone conversations to the convenience of home, car or other private places.

Regrettable ring tones

Not everyone has the same taste in music or is eager to subject their ears to the latest rap hit on the radio. It's probably unnecessary to set Hanson's MMMbop or Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 as your alert tone. Instead, settle for a modest ring or simple beep.

"Vibrate" is not a synonym for "silent"

Professors and students will attest that no one is deceived by the buzzing coming from a backpack in the third row of class. Avoid the urge to turn phones on vibrate, and choose the silent setting instead.

Voicemail Vindication

With communicating made easier by cell phones, the sport of phone tag has experienced a direct correlation. Always be clear. If the message is for a stranger or even an acquaintance, don't forget to leave contact information including your phone number. Leaving five-minute voice mails which include a life story are unnecessary. Think short and sweet.

[Flower 0]

When I'm driving the bus I do not answer, but I do use the time (Worldtime)

I dont text

My ring tones ... Purdue fight song, dont do me like that, free fallin,real good man,elvis. when people hear my songs they sing along

My vibrate isnt loud

i think i'm ok with mycell phone etiquette

[asakitten 13]

I think my cell phone etiquette is good.

I never answer the phone or talk on the phone while driving.

And my ring tone is The Waiting.

[Mudcrutch 285]

sorry people ^ but ANY ring tone that is a song is annoying.

even tp. :cool:

go with a simple, modern phone ring that sounds .. like a phone! :045:

[Wildflower 17]

go with a simple, modern phone ring that sounds .. like a phone! :045:

:045::045::045::045::045::045::045::045: - just like me.......

[Flower 0]

never! rock out ppl why be normal?

[Wildflower 17]

never! rock out ppl why be normal?

It isn´t normal to have a normal phone-ring that sounds like a phone.....:003:

[Mudcrutch 285]

It isn´t normal to have a normal phone-ring that sounds like a phone.....:003:

ha, very true.

[agirl 0]

I disagree with the vibrate thing. If it's in your pocket no one can hear it.

[Refugee 7]

^ Not true. The cashiers at my work have them on vibrate and I can always hear it.

[nurktwin 2,143]

anyone that has a cell phone in their pockets and on vibrate are begging for people to call them so they can 'get off'......lol.

[Pankie 0]

^ Not true. The cashiers at my work have them on vibrate and I can always hear it.

I second that -- it sounds like an annoying buzzing sound...

[Echosoftom 3]

Yep, I hear that buzzing all the time and it's annoying, especially when it happens in a meeting. Turn the damn thing off or put it on silent. You can always call someone back. Most of this cell phone talk is nothing but mindless yakking anyway.

Multi-tasking is a great skill to possess in many aspects of life, however there is no place for it in the driver's seat.

This one cracks me up particularly because I've had a friend actually say to me that the problem is these people just don't know how to multi-task while they're driving...Okay, so I'm thinking, perhaps while driving isn't the time to be multi-tasking, LOL!

[Wildflower 17]

You can always call someone back. Most of this cell phone talk is nothing but mindless yakking anyway.

:045: Oh yes, how true....