Put your phone down for a moment and pay attention – because you’ve been using it all wrong. (Of course, if you’re reading this on your phone – don’t put it down. But ignore notifications.)
According to etiquette expert Julie Lamberg-Burnet from the Sydney School of Protocol, you’ve been using it too much and in the wrong way in the wrong situations.
It’s a lot of wrong, but Mrs Lamberg-Burnet is here to put things right, her advice about correct phone etiquette coming alongside a Felix Mobile study, using social media sentiment, that reveals the phone habits that annoy friends and family the most.
Taking the top spot is texting during conversations, followed by taking too many photos (second); constantly checking notifications (third); phone calls at inappropriate times (fourth); using phones at the dinner table (fifth); being glued to the phone (sixth); ignoring people for phone use (seventh); texting while walking (eighth); overly loud phone conversations (ninth); and endless notifications sounds (10th).
Mrs Lamberg-Burnet says that if a person receives a message during a conversation that requires attention, then they should politely step away.
She explains: ‘In situations where you are expecting a call/message and you need to respond to it, the best approach is to excuse yourself from the situation and find a quiet place to respond.
‘Ensure you indicate prior to an event that you are expecting a message/call and you may need to excuse yourself, for example, from the dining table. Discreetly excuse yourself and don’t draw attention to yourself.’
Is there a less annoying way of taking lots of pictures at a social function?
Julie Lamberg-Burnet from the Sydney School of Protocol has revealed the do’s and don’ts of phone use
Mrs Lamberg-Burnet says: ‘Always seek the approval of your hosts and guests before taking or posting photographs.
‘If you have their approval, take a few photos at the appropriate time – choose a time rather than taking constant photos which disrupts the flow of social interaction and conversation – and ask the people you have captured to check them before posting.
‘Be understanding if they prefer not to be included. Set your privacy settings to “friends only”.’
And is it bad form to constantly check notifications?
Mrs Lamberg-Burnet says: ‘It is not appropriate to be constantly checking phone notifications in view of others. It can be perceived as selfish, egocentric and lacking in confidence. If you have an urgent need to check, remove yourself 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 either make or return a phone call.’
Where does Mrs Lamberg-Burnet stand on the placing of phones on tables during meals?
It’s a no-no. The etiquette guru expected this habit to feature in the ranking, as she deems it to be ‘a poorly mannered behaviour’.
Texting during conversations is the most annoying bad phone habit, according to research
Indifferent to the guidance so far? Mrs Lamberg-Burnet adds that constantly checking one’s phone could actually be dangerous.
She explains: ‘Ignoring people around you, for example, when walking down the street unaware of the flow of foot or road traffic and needlessly checking messages can potentially put yourself and others in danger.
‘People’s situational awareness has worsened with the use of mobiles. 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 staying connected with our mobile phones, but let’s not forget real life matters too. You can keep your phone handy, just make sure you’re present and engaged 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.’
