9 Cell Phone Guilty Pleasures We Need to Quit

9-Cell-Phone-Guilty-Pleasures-We-Need-to-Quit.jpg

We LOVE our mobile devices. Especially our magical smartphones that allow us to conceal the fact that we always used to get lost have instant access to any information, keep connected with family, friends and work, and spend untold hours with apps, games, and music.

However, as we become more and more attached to these magical devices, the more we forget about common sense and etiquette. Here we present to you 9 Cell Phone Guilty Pleasures We Need to Quit. Think we need to add something to this list? Comment below!

#1 – Texting While Walking

We’ve all heard about the dangers of texting while driving right? Obviously a no-brainer. Another no-brainer? Texting while walking. Not only dangerous in a dark parking lot (always be aware of your surroundings), but also dangerous when crossing the street. Texting while walking resulted in so many accidents in Fort Lee, N.J. that the Police Chief ordered officers to start giving $85 tickets to people texting while jaywalking.

More reasons why texting while walking is dangerous.

#2– Leaving Your Phone to Charge Overnight

Alright call it convenience or laziness - people have a bad habit of charging their device every night. I’m guilty on this one too. It’s arguable as to how this will negatively affect the handset in the long run, but it IS using electricity. The good thing? We’re seeing more energy efficient chargers that automatically shut off once a handset is fully charged.

How much energy do you waste while charging your cell phone?

#3 – Not Leaving a Voicemail / Text After Missed Call

A big etiquette one here. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing a missed call from someone and wondering what they wanted. Was it important? Did they accidently dial me? Has the problem been taken care of?? Sure, it does take an extra moment or two to leave that message, but your intended caller will appreciate it.

#4 – Missing an Experience Because You’re Too Busy Taking / Posting Photos

Yes, many of us are guilty on this one - including myself. On a recent trip to DC I had to give myself a reminder when I got too snap happy posting pictures of memorials. Yes, it’s fun to take a few pictures to refer back to in the future. It’s fun to post on social media sites for your family and friends to see. However, don’t short change yourself when it comes to life experiences. Step back, take a moment to consider if these photos will truly capture the experience for you later? How important is it to share this photo with others? Will they really care? Don’t get me wrong, posting here and there is fun, but it’s easy to put more focus on your phone than the memories you’re intending to make.

#5 - Fooling Around on Your Cell Phone Whenever There is a Spare Moment

Have we as a society forgotten how to wait? Perhaps. How often do you see someone pulling out their cell phone when waiting for an appointment, a friend at a restaurant or in the grocery store checkout lane? I challenge you to use your spare moments to think for yourself. Is there something productive you could be thinking about at this time? If not, use these precious moments to relax and clear your mind if you can. You may feel less stressed once it’s time to get back at it.

#6 - Talking Obnoxiously Loud While Having a Conversation

A good refresher for all of us. Talking too loudly while having a conversation is not only annoying for others around you, but most likely the other person on the line will have to turn down the volume on their phone. Clarity in enunciation, directing your sound towards the phone mic, and speaking in a normal tone will ensure you’re understood just fine on the other end of the line.

#7 – Using Bluetooth in Public

Have you ever been in a situation where you thought someone was talking to you, but they just had their Bluetooth earpiece in? Using Bluetooth in close proximity to others or even (dreadedly) when you need to communicate with someone else at the same time is a big etiquette no-no.

#8 – Using Speakerphone in Public

Speakerphone is great when you want others to hear your conversation, or in your office with the door shut. However, be aware this is disruptive to others in public - not to mention risky for you should any private info be disclosed.

#9 - Not Using Wi-Fi as a Primary Data Source When at Home or Work

We forget, or it’s too much effort. In any case you’re using valuable cellular data when you could be using Wi-Fi. In your phone’s settings make sure to default to use known data sources.

Think we should add something to this list? Comment below!

 

May 05, 2013 / Colleen Kranz
Telecom Guide
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Join Our Newsletter!



Posts by Tag

See all