The use and abuse of smartphones is impacting negatively on our social interactions. These are the commandments of good manners

One of the most visible consequences of the emergence of smartphones and other mobile devices is the impact they have had on our social life and not talk about the great connectivity that gives us this ubiquitous object.

Is there anything worse than that eye impunity that slides into the hand holding the phone while holding a conversation?

Sucked into a virtual world, to the detriment of the real, we are becoming a society of nomofóbicos covered in the absence of any rule of conduct, zombies wandering without listening or eye contact most of the time it is supposed share in a same space.

However, already in a series outlining rules of conduct that I will try to summarize in this article.

The Ten Commandments

Although there is wide divergence of views on this, seems to be a consensus around ten rules of etiquette with cell phones, starting with the idea that the person who is with us physically has “absolute priority” and a chat on Facebook, check emails or Twitter update is no excuse.

When we are in a restaurant, put the smartphone on the table is like telling someone we’re hoping to present something better. The rule is to put it where it is not visible and silent all through dinner.

But if that is too painful, another option is to put a cover or put down, implying that it will only be used when absolutely necessary. And if someone calls you, the right thing is apologize and move away from the table to talk.

Neither the loud music and no talks loudly in public is acceptable, and neither is entered by speaking to the phone in the bathroom. Do not even acknowledge those inside in the case of a public toilet, or the person on the other side of the line (especially when they hear that is flushed).

Another very important thing is that the people who work for cashiers, waiters and generally with the public deserve respect, and talk on the phone or watch for the screen as we cater not only inconsiderate to them but also the service brakes and forcing others to wait.

Without forgetting the most widespread standard, which is to put our phone in quiet places like the library, cinema and theater, and in the latter two cases the same applies to the backlight, which can be very annoying to others.

Love and smartphones not mix

In 2011, Forbes magazine columnist, Michael Matthews also created a set of rules of conduct for dating smartphones, in order to ensure that the meeting is “just between you and nobody else,” beginning with the time to fix Quote: “calls, do not send a text. But do not know if it’s a gathering of friends or a romantic date. FLAME “.

According to Matthews, if it is time that we expected and take a call or important message, you must notify the other party giving details. But such things have to be called from my boss or the details of the funeral of my grandmother, if not useless.

Increasingly frequent websites or apps that let you find deals on restaurants, movies, theaters or other activities. According to the columnist, is best to avoid these offers on the first date and if we do, better make it clear that it is because we want to try this place, not because we want to save money.

Avoid at all costs take pictures of your date while eating and if you make it with the explicit permission of the person (making sure to delete the shots that were awful).

There is a chance, though, where it is allowed to take the smartphone to spice up the conversation. Examples show that video is so funny of speaking or look that fact that you fail to remember, if he or she is interested in the topic.

At work

Smartphones and tablets are proliferating in our workplaces, and although they are a business tool, it’s easy to brew a personal message or curiosity we lost in the vastness of the network in the middle of a meeting soporific.

But if you do not want to lose points with our colleagues and superiors, Rachel Wagner, protocol and etiquette expert, leads since 2010 spreading six essential standards of conduct with smartphones in the workplace.

Again, you have to pay 100% of our attention to the person in front. Then do not interrupt conversations face to face with someone (for example in a hallway or in the canteen) on a call or sending a text.

At a business lunch, the mobile device should not be on the table. Store it in a pocket, purse or briefcase, pointing.

Also recommended that a meeting be avoided under the table read. Often what annoyed at these meetings, he says, not sounding a phone, but as someone slides the screen facing their emails or their Facebook page.

Also pay attention to your messages instead of the meeting sends a signal that the people in the room do not mind. What can be dangerous if they are customers, or have power over your job or future career.

And crucially, he says, is to try to have a ring tone that sounds professional, as this may affect our professional image.

Apart from this, you also have to consider leaving our phone on silent when we are not at our desk and avoid speaking in public on matters of business that should be confidential.

The family

And beyond work or other relationships, experts say the paramount importance of establishing codes of conduct appropriate smartphones at home.

To many it will sound familiar foods where more than one is fiddling its touchscreen, or that vacation where they spend several members taking pictures of everything and posting on social networks to interact with people thousands of miles away.

Experts warn of the importance of quality interaction, and as noted by the BBC’s etiquette expert Angela Marshall “should be taught to children when they are given a smartphone. Rules must be taught to behave appropriately and parents should lead by example. ”

Also set standards in the use of smartphones and other mobile devices is not only necessary to safeguard our social life, but also our health. Several studies have linked abuse use of mobile devices to high levels of stress and neck pain and back pain.