Put down your phone for a moment and pay attention, because you’ve been using it wrong.
According to etiquette expert Julie Lamberg-Burnet of the Sydney Protocol Schoolyou’ve been using it too much and incorrectly in the wrong situations.
There are a lot of things wrong, but Mrs. Lamberg-Burnet is here to set things right, and her advice on proper telephone etiquette is accompanied by a Felix Mobile study, using social media sentiment, that reveals the phone habits that annoy friends and family the most.
First place is texting during conversations, followed by taking too many photos (second); constantly check notifications (third); phone calls at inappropriate times (fourth); using phones at the table (fifth); being glued to the phone (sixth); ignoring people when they use the phone (seventh); texting while walking (eighth); telephone conversations that are too loud (ninth); and endless notification sounds (10th).
Ms Lamberg-Burnet says if a person receives a message during a conversation that requires attention, then they should politely walk away.
She explains: ‘In situations where you are waiting for a call or message and need to respond, the best approach is to excuse yourself from the situation and find a quiet place to respond.
‘Be sure to indicate before an event that you are expecting a message/call and may need to excuse yourself from, for example, the dining table. Apologize discreetly and don’t draw attention to yourself.’
Is there a less annoying way to take a lot of photos at a social function?
Sydney Protocol School’s Julie Lamberg-Burnet has revealed the do’s and don’ts of phone use
Mrs Lamberg-Burnet says: ‘Always seek approval from your hosts and guests before taking or posting photographs.
“If you have their approval, take some well-timed photos (pick a moment rather than taking constant photos that interrupt the flow of social interaction and conversation) and ask the people you’ve captured to review them before posting.
‘Be understanding if they prefer not to be included. Set your privacy settings to ‘friends only.’
And is it rude to constantly check notifications?
Mrs Lamberg-Burnet says: ‘It is inappropriate to constantly check your phone notifications in full view of others. You may be perceived as selfish, self-centered, and lacking confidence. If you have an urgent need to check, retreat to a quiet place before physically focusing on your phone screen.
‘(And) avoid the temptation to take a call unless it is an emergency. Wait for a more appropriate time and discreetly excuse yourself to make or return a phone call.
What does Mrs Lamberg-Burnet think about placing telephones on tables during meals?
It’s a no-no. The etiquette guru hoped this habit would feature in the ranking, as she considers it “rude behavior.”
Texting during conversations is the most annoying bad phone habit, according to research
Indifferent to the guidance so far? Ms Lamberg-Burnet adds that constantly checking your phone can be dangerous.
She explains: ‘Ignoring people around you, for example when walking down the street without being aware of the flow of pedestrians or road traffic and checking messages unnecessarily, can put you and others in danger.
‘People’s situational awareness has worsened with the use of mobile phones. The open body posture has been overtaken by a complete lack of attention to who and what is happening around us.’
A Felix Mobile spokesperson said: “We all love to stay connected with our mobile phones, but let’s not forget that real life is important too.” You can keep your phone handy, just make sure you are present and interacting with those around you. Simple steps like using app timers, muting notifications, and switching to night mode can help us stay connected without causing an awkward social situation.’