NEWS: Annoying things device-users do

KUALA LUMPUR: A recent survey in the United States has underscored that there is a lack of mobile etiquette among technology users there, and quite obviously, the world over.

Nine out of 10 adult Americans said their top annoyance is when others text or type on their mobile devices while driving a car.

Other pet peeves are people talking loudly on a cellphone or other portable device in public, discuss private matters in earshot of bystanders, and texting or typing on such devices while in the presence of others. (We’ve seen all these among Malaysians, too. — The Ed) However, only 38% of those surveyed admitted to being mobile etiquette offenders themselves when it comes to texting in the company of others.

Meanwhile, the top responses for strange mobile etiquette behaviour ranged from making a cashier wait until a cellphone call was completed and texting while driving.

Other responses included using a laptop in a public toilet, as well as hearing typing and conversations at church, during a funeral, and in a doctor’s office.

The survey was sponsored by US-based chipmaker Intel Corp.

Techno-etiquette

“We have more and more technology in our lives — much of it in our handbags, backpacks and pockets, as well as our homes, offices and cars,” said Genevieve Bell, an Intel Fellow and cultural anthropologist who studies technology and culture.

“It is hardly surprising that we are still working out what is socially appropriate and what isn’t — we are still developing our techno-etiquettes,”

Even as new techno-etiquettes are getting sorted out, Bell said, we can look to common sense, government regulations and the kinds of things our parents and teachers told us for guidance. She shared some pearls of wisdom.

Experts agree typing and texting while driving is distracting and dangerous, not to mention really bad ergonomically. Do yourself and your fellow drivers a favour, keep the laptops closed and devices put away, or pull over before you type your next message or e-mail message.

It turns out mobile devices don’t have secret cloaking properties or their own little cones of silence. So until they do, if it’s a conversation you wouldn’t want overheard, take your mobile device to a secluded area and keep the details between you and the person on the other end of the line.

Bell recently had dinner with a man who confessed that he was the only man in the restroom not using a Blackberry — he couldn’t decide whether to feel appalled or left out.

Sure sometimes, you just have to make that call but there are some places that we can all mostly agree should be considered off-limits. These locations include public restrooms, locker rooms, places of worship and restaurants while in the company of others, and especially while on a date.

Mummy, dearest

My mum taught me that sharing was good; yours probably taught you the same thing. Turns out she wasn’t always right. When watching videos on your computer in public, be sure to use your headphones — not everyone wants to share with you.

Additionally, it’s rude to peer over someone else’s shoulder, so be sure not to let your eyes wander onto another person’s mobile device — unless of course you are dying to know what the new app is or the brand of that hopelessly sexy mobile phone.

And while we are on the subject of sharing, the electrical outlets at the local coffee shop or airport with Wi-Fi service are meant for the masses. If others are waiting, unplug and share the electric wealth, or do as one of my dear friends does and carry a power strip — you will make friends immediately.

Next, some people can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. I am one of them. Many more can’t text or type while walking. I am one of them, too. So I have learnt through bitter experience, stubbed toes and faint embarassment to take a second, come to a stop and finish typing that message.

Otherwise you risk walking into people, bumping into fire hydrants or creating a big, mobile etiquette mess.