I want to work with you on some rules of device etiquette. These days I think we all often find ourselves alone while among others because of our devices, and we don’t know how to make it better. So here is my first attempt at some guiding principles for how we might manage our devices in social settings. Please read the suggestions, think it through, and help refine, improve or maybe replace the list. Perhaps together we can find a a way to find each other again, in spite of our devices.
Device Etiquette, draft one
- Put devices away during shared meals.
- During conversation, disregard your device. Concentrate on the person who is present.
- If you still feel the need to consult your device during a conversation, explain and ask permission of the other person.
- Don’t assume the other person wants to see your photos; ask.
- If someone else hands you a phone to look at a photo, don’t swipe further without permission.
- In public settings, leave your ringer off.
- In focused public settings (i.e., concerts, church, meetings, movies), turn your phone off.
- While walking in public, keep your eyes on your path, not on your phone.
- In social settings, put your earbuds away.