It's hard to find someone who doesn't have a cell phone these days, but in the wake of this technological phenomenon, it may be harder to find someone who has good cell-phone manners.
In the entrance of Mechoopda Hall, freshman Allison Bokesch and senior Sara Zook talked about the do's and don'ts of using cell phones.
"I feel bad when I'm in the car with someone talking on the phone," Zook said.
Bokesch said it's rude to talk on the phone while walking with someone or to talk loud in public places such as restaurants.
Cell phones can also bring challenges for people at work.
Senior Ryan Sockwell, who works at a coffee shop, said it's annoying when customers are talking on the phone and ordering at the same time.
In formal situations, such as a date, talking on a cell phone can be seen as extremely rude, sophomore Brian Barnett said.
"You go on a date to hang out with just each other," Barnett said. "It makes zero sense to be talking to someone else."
Political science Professor Matthew Thomas doesn't own a cell phone but thinks public restrooms are not a place to talk on the phone.
When it comes to the classroom, cell phones don't bother Thomas, he said. When a phone rings, the student is usually embarrassed.
Many students prefer to have their cell phones on vibrate or silent mode when in the classroom.
Though students might not always be talking, it's not hard to find someone text messaging in class.
Although Bokesch admitted that she sends text messages in class, she wouldn't advise it because it's very distracting, she said.
When class gets out, many students flip open their cell phones and talk on the way to their next class.
"It's almost a rule of nature," Barnett said. "They'll be on their phone before they break the threshold of the doorway."
However, for those with busy schedules, it's the only chance to talk, Zook said.
Some people think they're "naked" if they leave their cell phones behind, Bokesch said.
For others, leaving a cell phone at home has its benefits.
"Sometimes, I purposely forget it," Zook said. "It makes you less available and less obligated."
Thomas said cell-phone etiquette is difficult because the technology has evolved so much.
Ten years ago, it was inappropriate to have a cell phone on in a meeting, class or conference because they didn't have silent or vibrate modes, Thomas said. Today, phones can be on without creating too much of a disturbance.
Society has also accepted younger people carrying cell phones, Thomas said.
Cell phones such as Firefly Mobile are made especially for kids, allowing them to call only certain people, such as their parents or emergency agencies.
Though technology is growing, some people think cell phones can distract from other important things.
"One thing that gets me is when two friends are walking together and talking on their cell phones instead of just turning their heads and talking to each other," Thomas said.
Bob Main can be reached at bmain@theorion.com
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