Put your phone down for a moment and pay attention – because you’ve been using it all wrong. (If you’re reading this on your phone, don’t put it down, of course. But ignore notifications.)
According to etiquette expert Julie Lamberg-Burnet of the Sydney School of Protocolyou have used it too much and in the wrong way in the wrong situations.
There is a lot wrong, but Mrs Lamberg-Burnet is here to put things right. Her advice on proper phone etiquette goes along with a Felix Mobile research, using sentiment on social media, that reveals the phone habits that most annoy friends and family.
Taking first place is texting during calls, followed by taking too many photos (second); continuously checking notifications (third); phone calls at inappropriate times (fourth); the use of telephones at the dinner table (fifth); being glued to the phone (sixth); ignoring people for phone use (seventh); texting while walking (eighth); excessively loud telephone conversations (ninth); and endless notifications sound (10th).
Ms Lamberg-Burnet says that if someone receives a message during a conversation that requires attention, they should politely step away.
She explains: ‘In situations where you are expecting a call/message and need to respond, the best approach is to excuse yourself from the situation and find a quiet place to respond.
‘Make sure that before an event you indicate that you are expecting a message/call and that you, for example, need to excuse yourself from the dining table. Excuse yourself discreetly and don’t draw attention to yourself.’
Is there a less annoying way to take a lot of photos at a social event?
Julie Lamberg-Burnet from the Sydney School of Protocol has revealed the do’s and don’ts of phone use
Ms Lamberg-Burnet says: ‘Always get approval from your hosts and guests before taking or posting photos.
‘Once you have their approval, take a few photos at the right time – choose a time rather than constantly taking photos that disrupt the flow of social interaction and conversation – and ask the people you captured to check them before you post them.
“Be understanding if they would rather not be involved. Set your privacy settings to ‘friends only.’
And is it bad form to constantly check notifications?
Ms Lamberg-Burnet said: ‘It is not appropriate to constantly check phone notifications in full view of others. It can be seen as selfish, self-centered and lacking in confidence. If you need an urgent checkup, go to a quiet place before physically focusing on your phone screen.
‘[And] avoid the temptation to call unless it’s an emergency. Wait for a more convenient time and discreetly excuse yourself to make or call back.’
Where does Ms Lamberg-Burnet stand when it comes to placing telephones on tables during meals?
It’s a no-no. The etiquette guru expected this habit to feature in the rankings as she considers it ‘bad manners’.
Research shows that texting during calls is the most annoying bad phone habit
Indifferent to the guidance so far? Ms Lamberg-Burnet adds that constantly checking the phone can be dangerous.
She explains: ‘Ignoring people around you, for example when walking down the street and not being aware of the flow of foot or road traffic, and checking messages unnecessarily can potentially put yourself and others at risk.
‘People’s situational awareness has deteriorated due to the use of mobile phones. The open posture has been overtaken by a complete lack of attention to who and what is happening around us.’
A spokesperson for Felix Mobile said: ‘We all like to stay connected with our mobile phones, but let’s not forget about real life matters. You can keep your phone handy, but make sure you are present and engaged with the people around you. Simple steps like using app timers, muting notifications, and switching to night mode can help us stay connected without creating an awkward social situation.”