For Goodness Sake, Just Hang Up!

Have you ever felt like physically removing someone’s mobile phone and then doing the phone or its owner some physical harm? You’re not alone. Our rush to embrace new technology has unfortunately not been matched by a rush to embrace some solid, old-fashioned, good manners.

Australian telecommunications company, Telstra, has just released the finding of their Telstra State of the Nation Research, to reveal that mobile phones are being used inappropriately more often yet the majority of us aren’t prepared to let someone know when they’re out of line with their phone use.

The research uncovered more than just loud talkers. New technology which packs more and more into our hand held devices is opening up a range of new issues that we’re finding it hard to handle.

Telstra Consumer Executive Director, Ms Rebekah O’Flaherty, said the research showed that while traditional gripes such as talking loudly on public transport or using a mobile while driving still topped the list, smartphones were encouraging a new wave of behaviour.

“More than one third of the mobiles we sell are smartphones and Facebook use on mobiles has tripled in the past year, so it’s not surprising some of us aren’t sure if it’s acceptable to check-in friends on Facebook during lunch or show-off their latest apps over the dinner table.

“It’s clear modern technology with instant, one-click access to social networking and email had transformed the way Australians live, which is why we need a new set of etiquette rules to help turn around mobile misbehaviour,” she said.

Have you seen bad behaviour by mobile phone users? What kind of behaviour annoys you the most?

Telstra has classified various kinds of users and their habits.

The Peacock (34%). You’re constantly posting status updates, checking-in your friends and talking loudly on your mobile phone. Your behaviour is designed to make sure everyone around you knows you have a ‘fabulous’ life.

Mover and Shaker (29%). You’re always on the go and your mobile phone is your lifeline, connecting you to work and your social life. You regularly get caught-out answering your mobile phone in meetings or responding to SMS at the dinner table.

Stimulation Seeker (19%). You can’t sit still and need to be in the know, so you pass the time – whether you’re on the bus or while crossing the road – browsing Facebook, downloading the latest apps or checking out your phone’s features.

I see, I Do (18%). You tend to follow the crowd and exhibit poor mobile manners because everyone else does – for instance, you’ll start checking emails during a work meeting because those around you are doing it too.

What are you like at using your mobile phone? Do you still remember how to switch your phone off? Have you noticed that gatherings of family and friends have become cluttered with phones and other mobile gadgets?

I guess the thing that annoys me the most is when someone I’m with is more interested in spending time on the phone to someone who’s made a random catch-up call than the person who has bothered to meet with them face to face.

I’d love to read your comments about gripes you have with mobile phones.

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