Whether for personal or professional use, or both, research shows that U.S. mobile phone users generally upgrade their phones every two-to-three years. Sometimes still referred to as “cell phones,” because of their wireless, cell-based technology, these smart devices have become essential to everyday life. Although the number of apps on my phone pales in comparison to some, I rely on my mobile to track and deliver my books, business documents, calendar, camera, contacts, directions, entertainment, exercise, news information, healthcare data, meetings, music, recipes, and, yes, telephone calls, text—and more.

A cell phone puts #CommunicationsContentConnections at our fingertips, in the palm of the hand.

Yet, as our device dependency soars, common courtesy suffers. I say this largely based on observation and experience, not science or recent data. Interestingly there are few, if any, studies of individual mobile phone behaviors of late. I did come across a 2015-era Pew Research Center with several fascinating findings, including evidence that most US adults think checking the phone is rude in social situations: only 5 percent of Americans said they felt that checking a cell phone during a meeting is acceptable.

Family Dinners and the Phone

The Pew study conveyed that only 12 percent approve of checking a cell phone during a family dinner. The data indicated that when people focus on their phones instead of their companions, it hurts the group in which they are participating…People can be offended when they feel ignored. They also don’t like others who talk too loudly or share private information in public when using their phones.

And yet, the Pew report noted that most people said they still use cell phones in social situations even though they believe it is rude: 89 percent of those surveyed said they had used their cell phones during a recent social event.

That 89 percent stat got me. I do think the percentage would be higher today. And, whether in social or professional settings, I’ve seen friends and colleagues, my dearest and nearest, use their phones multiple times over an hour, throughout the day. I’ve done it myself. How about you?

Focus on the Customer

My recent phone upgrade experience brought home some important—and sometimes ignored–common courtesy and customer service lessons. Without mentioning the service or phone brands, let’s just say I had a sub-optimal in-store experience. It was tough to get the service rep’s or store manager’s attention when I arrived ready for an effective, efficient purchase experience. (After all, I knew the upgrade I wanted, and the current discount offers.) The sales team members were heavily phone focused, not just when I walked in, but intermittently, throughout my hour plus time in the retail shop. At two junctures, as I had to leave to feed the parking meter, I noted my tight time schedule. “Just a few minutes more,” was the answer, as I heard more about the latest tunes or TikTok favorites appearing on their screens.

Now, I did get the phone. I happily communicate. I create and share content. I’m well-connected. What’s more, I’m attempting to be less obsessive and better behaved with my latest device. July just happens to be National Cell Phone Courtesy Month. Did you know such a cell celebration existed?

Smart, and Easy, Phone Etiquette

As envisioned by Jacqueline Whitmore, a Palm Beach, Fla., manners maven, and Sprint (which merged into T-Mobile in 2020) in 2002—back in the day when cell phones were cell phones—these 31 days are meant to increase cell phone etiquette. There’s even an oft-cited Easy Etiquette Rules list, with a few LaurelComms adaptations:

• • Silence your phone when spending time with anyone—work or play
  • Hide your phone when you need to focus on someone in your company or something you are doing
  • Step away, and excuse yourself when you absolutely need to take or make a call
  • Be aware of your voice volume and tone when on your phone in public
  • Pause (and review, maybe rework) an email, text, or social post before sending
  • Don’t use mobile devices when driving, cycling, skateboarding or on scooters
  • And…don’t let your phone become a social hindrance—preventing real, genuine, essential, in-person communications, content, connections, and great customer service.

#NationalCellPhoneCourtesyMonth
#CommunicationsContentConnections
#Communications