August 23rd, 2012Top StoryThe Most Annoying Things You Do with Your Phone That You Should Quit (or At Least Be Aware Of)By Thorin Klosowski
Last week we asked you what annoys you most about how people use their smartphones. Many of you shared your pet peeves, but just as often you'd admit you're also guilty of doing these annoying things. It's impossible to make hard rules about phone etiquette, since you might find annoying what I find perfectly acceptable, but at the very least, it's worthwhile to know that some people might be annoyed by your behavior. In this post, we're rounding up the most common, most annoying smartphone habits, offering some quick fixes, then providing a longer list of other common complaints you may want to keep in mind next time you reach for your phone. Problem: The Multi-Tasking Driver
Solution: Remove the TemptationWhen we talked about how to drive safely while using your cell phone, we emphasized that the only real way to use a cell phone safely in your car is to not use it all. That's easier said than done for some people. If your willpower for blocking out a cell phone ring is weak, silence your phone before you get in the car so you're not distracted by it. For those who absolutely must answer their phones, your best bet is to grab a bluetooth headset for hands-free use (here are five good ones to get you started). If your phone also doubles as a GPS and music player, you can integrate your phone into your car for easy access, voice control, and music playing. Photo by eyeliam. Problem: The Smartphone Addict
Solution 1: The Crossword RuleIn Real Simple's Tech Etiquette Manual, author Will Schwalbe suggests that if you wouldn't work on a crossword puzzle in a situation, then it's probably not a good time to dawdle away on your smartphone. You can break the rule for minor things like a call or text, but as a guide to knowing when it's okay to sit around and play a game or check Facebook, the crossword rule is a handy reminder. Essentially, if someone is in front of you and wants your attention, it's probably not the best time to tap away on your phone. Solution 2: Wean Yourself AwaySometimes, your smartphone addiction is just that: an addiction. You should treat it like any other addiction and wean yourself off of it. We've talked about doing this by outlining your own rules of use (no phone usage at social events, no answering calls on a date, or no smartphone usage during short-term interactions), and disabling alerts. If you're struggling to unhinge your smartphone addiction, you can also forceably block social networks during certain times of the day so you can reclaim your attention span and enjoy the moment. Photo by John. Problem: The Poorly Timed Smartphone Photographer
Solution: Take the Picture Now; Edit and Upload LaterThis solution is pretty simple. If you're in a situation where you're interacting with people, say, at dinner, or a concert, feel free to take as many photos as you want. But when you're done, hold off on the editing, cropping, and sharing until after the event. Photo by Chris Radcliff. Problem: The World Is Your Phone Booth
The issue only gets worse when that annoying someone goes on to talk loudly it public spaces, hold business conversations in the bathroom, or talk about his breakup on the bus. Josh Smith's issue is the weirdness of one-sided conversation:
Solution: Step Away from Groups of People or Respond LaterJust because you don't care if your conversation remains private doesn't mean everyone wants to hear it. The basic rule of thumb here is pretty simple: if you're going to talk on the phone in a public spot, step away from other people. Always. When you take that call, make sure you excuse yourself politely. If you're stuck in a small public space, like a bus, try and keep the conversation as short as possible, and speak at a normal volume. The same goes for any other small room you might find yourself in. And don't talk on the phone in a public restroom. No excuses—just don't do it. Photo by Lee Brimelow. Problem: Texting vs. Phone Call
Solution: The Response Time TestIn most cases, choosing between a call and a text depends a lot on your history with a person. For many, the two forms of communication mean different things: a call usually means you're looking for an immediate response. A text message is often seen as more passive, and it's acceptable if it gets ignored for a while. This isn't a hard and fast rule by any means, and your previous interactions with people should help define how they prefer contact. So, ask yourself, how quickly do I want a response? If you're making plans for dinner right this second, you need a response to a question, or anything else right now, a phone call is the preferred way to go. If time isn't a big deal, and the response is likely just a couple sentences, a text message is fine. Photo by Joi Ito. What You Said: More of Your Biggest Annoyances
The Checkout ChatterboxNobody likes the person using their cell phone in the checkout lane (or worse, when they're the person operating the checkout lane). Being on the receiving end of these moments, reader PamalaW80 is justifiably annoyed and points out how talking on your phone in line inconveniences pretty much everyone:
The Loud TyperReader HateCellPhones echoes a common annoyance from the thread: people who keep the sound on their touchscreen keyboards:
The Movie Theater RingtoneYou know that person who doesn't silence their phone in the movie theater and ruins the movie for everyone? Reader sums up the problem well:
The Walkie-TextieWhen you're texting and walking, you're not paying attention to your surroundings, and subsequently you're more likely to run into someone (or something). Reader Jonnowitts explains:
All of these annoyances boil down to one simple thing: people are annoyed when others draw attention to the fact they're on a cell phone. It's as simple as that. If you don't want to annoy those around you, make a mental note of the above annoyances, and try being polite whenever you can.  |
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