MIND YOUR MANNERS: TIPS TO IMPROVE WIRELESS COURTESY FOR ALL AGES
July 2014 -- It’s not just working professionals
and people on the go who use their mobile devices to stay connected, everyone
from children to retirees are using smartphones and tablets to simplify and
enhance their lives.
A Pew
Research survey found that 67 percent of cellphone owners find themselves
checking their phones for messages, alerts or calls – even when they don’t
notice their phone ringing or vibrating. That means a lot of people are
checking devices at any given time or place, and since July is National Cellphone Courtesy Month it is the perfect time to talk
about the expectations and practices of wireless device users of all ages.
According
to a recent U.S. Cellular survey, 37 percent of users say others get upset with
them for phone use, while 63 percent say they get upset at others for phone
use.
As may be
expected, smartphone owners who are over the age of 54 have stronger etiquette
beliefs than younger users. Among adults 55-64, 82 percent think it is rude to
check your phone while talking with someone else, and 80 percent think it is
rude to check while dining. Comparatively, 63 percent of users 18-34 think it
is rude to be on your phone while talking to someone else, while 57 percent
think it is rude to check while dining.
In addition
to smartphone use preferences differing depending on age, men and women also have
different ideas about how to use wireless technology. Women are more likely to
prefer texting over men. They are also more likely to have checked or used
their phone to avoid conversations.
Of those surveyed,
63 percent of people believe that no one gets upset at them for their phone
use. This is the same proportion that sometimes gets upset with others for
using their phone or tablet.
“With users
ranging in age from young students to senior citizens, it’s important for all
generations to be considerate about when and how we use our wireless devices,”
said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in the Mid-South. “By
following a few simple guidelines, we can all stay connected and be courteous
of those around us at the same time.”
Smartphones
and tablets, like the iPhone 5s, allow users to multitask and stay connected,
and U.S. Cellular is sharing these tips for improving courtesy by busy
cellphone users:
- Set the ground
rules. If you
have plans to meet a relative for dinner or spend happy hour with a group
of friends, discuss expectations for phone use. By determining technology
use before the gathering, everyone is able to enjoy the occasion.
- Seek to
understand. Focus
on similarities instead of differences and set a goal to understand those
around you. By understanding other’s wireless device use, you’ll be more
courteous of their expectations.
- Don’t be a buzz
kill. Putting
a phone on vibrate during a meeting or event can be a good ideas, as vibration
mode is meant to alert only you. However, it can distract others if the
phone is placed on a table in a meeting or dinner. Put the phone in a
pocket, where it can alert you to a call but isn’t disturbing others. If
you forget to turn off the ringer and get an unexpected call, phones such
as the Samsung Galaxy S5 stop ringing by simply flipping over the device.
- Avoid being
blinded by the light. Adjust screen brightness prior to entering a dimly lit space, such
as a restaurant, recital or school play. This allows you to use the device
to take photos or use social media without disturbing those around you.
“With the 4GLTE network, with speeds of up to 10 times
faster than 3G our
smartphones and tablets are able to work faster and harder than ever before,”Brundige
said. “Whether you’re 15, 45 or 95, wireless devices can simplify and enhance
your life and provide preferences about when and how to communicate. We should also
learn from each other and be courteous about what is best for those we value
most.”
¹ Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 2, 2013, 500 nationally
representative online interviews were conducted among smartphone users in
partnership with Maritz Research.
About
U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular rewards its customers with unmatched benefits and
industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The
Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all
backed by its high-speed network that has the highest call quality of any
national carrier. Currently, nearly 90 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE
speeds, and more than 93 percent will have access by the end of 2014. U.S.
Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Champion in 2014 for
the third time in four years. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of
its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos,
connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular
and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.
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To share this story, or for a copy
of these visuals contact:
Melissa
Watkins, Public Relations Counsel
Cell:
804-402-5316
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