In the new digital world order, few have escaped the earsplittingringtones, boardroom tables lined with Smartphones, dinner dates romantically involved with theirTwitter feeds or strangers blasting videos without headphones. Bad mobile behavior is all around us and in many circumstances can cost you friends and coworkers.
“The 2000’s exploded technology use, and our devices go everywhere with us now,” says Anna Post, etiquette expert and author of the latest edition of Emily Post’s Etiquette. “Technology isn’t rude or polite on its own. It’s how we are choosing to use it.”
In a survey of over 200 human resources managers conducted this year byIntel, 79% said mobile devices create unnecessary disruptions in the workplace, and 42% have received complaints about mobile offenses in meetings, with phones ringing and off-topic Internet use the most common. They nearly unanimously agreed that companies should establish guidelines and employees should mind their mobile manners.
Post offers up her latest mobile etiquette tips to help you navigate the minefield and keep your relationships intact.
Bad Behavior No. 1: Interruptions And Social Notworking In Meetings
According to Post, it’s important to be considerate of mobile use in all social contexts, but is critical in professional settings. “Friends are more likely to forgive you,” she says. “In business, first impressions stick.” The Intel survey found that the most common workplace misdeeds occur in meetings: not turning off a phone ringer, leaving to answer a call, checking and responding to email, and using devices for personal or off-meeting topics. It’s distracting and disrespectful. “Giving someone our full attention is one of the ways we show respect,” warns Post.

The Fix: Leave It At Your Desk
Don’t even bring a mobile device to an important meeting, says Post, or else you may forget to turn it off or be tempted to use it. If you know you have a really important call coming, she advises alerting the...