From time to time, I think we all need a reminder of how distracting cellphones are.
Especially in settings where you’re expecting silence or a professional demeanor – like in a theater or at a meeting.
It appears exponentially in poor taste when said owner of the phone actually answers it and doesn’t take their conversation outside or rectify the ringing issue.
Honestly, outside of specified emergencies, my phone is on silent and put away so that I can do my job.
It only comes out if I’ve got some free time or I’m Google searching for something that was referenced during a meeting I’m covering for the newspaper.
I don’t think it’s too much of a trial to expect the same from others while they’re doing their job.
Or, you know, serving on a board, committee or other professional positions.
There’s something to be said when someone constantly and conveniently forgets to silence their phones out of the respect of others.
I find it very rude and condescending for repeat offenders and am not above voicing my sentiments to others on said boards or groups.
Outside of people not using their turn signals when driving, poor cellphone mannerisms are in my top tier of pet peeves.
I miss the days when meeting leaders and bosses required phones to be on silent for the duration of a shift of meeting.
If you can’t manage silence for an hour at a time or more – then what are you even doing working in that setting?
My mom likes to unplug after work hours are done and rarely browses her phone when we have family TV time in the evenings.
I use mine as a bit more of a fidget tool when things get boring or too predictable and I need a minor distraction.
But, I’m also not alone in that aspect and have several dozen friends who do the same thing.
I don’t know if that means we all have ADHD or we’re just struggling to find a way to stay engaged in the moment – which is really the same thing if you ever tell a professional about it!
I do know that if I’m doing a hands-on task, then I can ignore my phone easier and I suppose that could be the same for others.
However, one thing I completely and wholly refuse to do is use my phone when I’m in the driver’s seat and actively driving.
Now, at train track stops or long red lights, I may flick through my notifications really quickly, but nothing else.
I feel that there’s too much to pay attention to in the car and that whatever is happening on my phone can wait.
Though I fully advocate for going hands-free if you can manage to multitask while driving properly.
I’ve yet to see that work quite as smoothly and efficiently as some would hope.
And, honestly, I’d like to see more police enforcement of texting and driving laws – especially in school zones once the school year starts up again.
But, we’ll see how things go.
