Survey: With mobile etiquette, it's always the other guy who's rude

Thu Jun 25, 2009 12:21PM EDT

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Don't you hate it when people tap away on their BlackBerrys at the dinner table, or discuss their love lives on their cells in the dentist's office? Sure you do—but you've never been guilty of such breaches of mobile etiquette, right? Right.

BetaNews recently discovered this new survey from Harris Interactive and Intel, which found that a whopping 90 percent of those polled are "frustrated by others' etiquette or lack thereof" when it comes to using mobile gadgets—think cell phones, laptops, and netbooks—in public.

Indeed, 72 percent of the 2,100-odd adults who answered the online survey said their "top annoyance" was people who text or type while behind the wheel—a bad idea, I'll grant you—while 63 percent can't stand folks "talking loudly" on the smartphones in public.

And here's my particular pet peeve: "texting or typing in the presence of others," which garnered 54 percent of the vote.

But once again, while those surveyed felt that almost everyone around them is being rude on their smartphones, most also thought that their own mobile behavior would make Miss Manners proud.

In fact, only 38 percent of those questioned copped to texting while, say, at the dinner table or conversing (in person) with a friend, while just 28 percent admitted to discussing "private matters in public" on their mobiles.

Some other factoids from the survey: About 56 percent of respondents said they were most annoyed when others broke mobile etiquette rules in restaurants and cafes, followed by movie theaters and concerts (47 percent), retail and grocery stores (41 percent), and last but not least ... bathrooms (26 percent). I have to say, it never fails to amaze me when I see (and hear) other guys talking on their cell phones while they're busy ... well, doing their respective things. (Seriously, can't it wait for five minutes?)

In any case, you'll be happy to hear that I, personally, never breach any of these mobile etiquette rules—and were I ever to do so, I'm sure I wouldn't be bothering anyone. After all ... it's me, right?

So, what bothers you the most about those who use their mobile gadgets in public? Ever break any smartphone etiquette rules yourself? Do tell.

Related:
Everyone but you is being rude with their mobile gadgets [BetaNews]

Comments on Survey: With mobile etiquette, it's always the other guy who's rude

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  • 1 Posted by jirojas on Thu Jun 25, 2009 1:11PM EDT Report Abuse

    Texting while driving is my #1 peeve, accident waiting to happen. Having lunch or dinner with someone and pulling the phone to text would be my #2.

  • 2 Posted by david_lmt on Thu Jun 25, 2009 1:14PM EDT Report Abuse

    Talking in the bathroom and texting or phones ringing in movie theaters are my biggest pet peeves. I don't care if people talk or text in public just as long as their reasonably quiet about it.

  • 4 Posted by maclingman on Thu Jun 25, 2009 4:11PM EDT Report Abuse

    It bothers me most when people use their phones and text while I'm at theater although at restaurants is a close second. As for at retail and grocery stores or restrooms, it doesn't really matter to me. Also, I'm not offended if someone texts while they're talking to me as long as I can still tell they're paying attention.

  • 5 Posted by m_leinoff on Thu Jun 25, 2009 4:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    When my friends are texting other people when I'm around...what am I, chopped liver?

  • 6 Posted by netwizard2003 on Thu Jun 25, 2009 4:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    Im not perfect, i text in public and in restaurants.... but I agree with the part about being on the phone while in the john. Just today I happened to hear a man talking on his phone at the same time while taking care of 'business matters' and all I could think was I wonder what the other person must be hearing and thinking.....

  • 7 Posted by jay8589@sbcglobal.net on Thu Jun 25, 2009 5:32PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have to say i have done a lot of this stuff. I text all the time but i still pay attention to the people I'm with. when i can hear someone talking on their cell phone from the other side of the room. That drives me crazy.

  • 8 Posted by gddt618 on Fri Jun 26, 2009 11:31AM EDT Report Abuse

    It's the bathroom, for crying out loud! Get over it!! When people are blowing their noses and farting in public (instead of the b-room) using the room for a conversation is NO BIG DEAL.

  • 9 Posted by rivashugo@sbcglobal.net on Fri Jun 26, 2009 6:05PM EDT Report Abuse

    @m_leinoff Ditto. Everything that was described here is rude. and it's RARE that i answer the phone while i'm fraternizing, driving or eating. But i'm old (28yo)

  • 10 Posted by carnenlthomas805 on Sun Jun 28, 2009 2:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    WHAILE DON,T FEEL BAD I LIKE TOO TEXT ALOTE THO AND CHAT ALOTE TOO

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