December 26, 2016
Interview with Daniel Post Senning, author of the book Manners In A Digital World
Mike Carruthers:
Etiquette and manners regarding cell phone use and technology in public are still evolving. However…
Daniel Post Senning:
The golden rule is that you want to give your attention to the people you’re with so you don’t want your mobile device to become a distraction and from the very important, very real personal interactions that are going on around you all of the time.
Daniel Post Senning, author of the book Manners In A Digital World…
So obvious places to leave the cell phone off and in your pocket or maybe even behind entirely when you’re eating out – public spaces. And that’s more than just the people you’re with it’s about everyone that you’re sharing the restaurant with and the people that work hard to maintain that establishment. Religious services are another place where I advise people – what are the chances you’re really going to need to take an important call?
For a lot of us the cell phone has become a security blanket. If we’re talking on the phone or texting or listening to music then we don’t have to talk to anybody else.
I notice it when I come out of a yoga class and there’s 5 people sitting on a bench putting on their shoes and while they’re putting on their shoes they’re all checking their phones. And I say to myself you know we could just save this for when we’re all down on the street and we would have 5 minutes to look each other in the eye, and talk, and smile and exchange some pleasantries. But it’s really become such a standard these days so I like to say anytime you’ve an opportunity to put the cell phone security blanket away and engage the people around you it’s a good idea. Oh I’ve got another great place that your phone should never be out – the restroom- just never out of your pocket.
