For many people, we have learned and heard about etiquette since our youth. Don’t chew with your mouth open, hold the door open for other people, cross your legs, say “please” and “thank you,” etc. These rules for public behavior have been drilled into our heads, but it seems like technology has turned the rules for basic manners on their head.  

What is the etiquette when it comes to the phone and the internet? Do the same (or any?!) rules apply?

My biggest pet peeve is when I talk to someone on the phone and the whole time all I can hear is the clicking of them texting. Is that rude of them? Am I being too sensitive?

What about when you are with someone and the entire time they are texting or emailing or talking on the phone? Our mothers would call this behavior impolite. However, in this day and age we are surrounded by technology and countless avenues to stay connected, and many people believe texting or tweeting your friends when hanging out with someone else is acceptable. But is this behavior really acceptable? How can we possibly pay attention to the people we’re sharing time with if we’re constantly distracting ourselves with other conversations? Are we just acclimating to being okay with this behavior in order to suit the needs of our friends and at times ourselves?

Seriously, is anyone else as lost as I am when it comes to what is appropriate or not, especially when it comes to the workplace? It is someone’s actual job to go on Facebook and Twitter all day, but is it polite to be on their Blackberry tweeting while in the middle of meeting even if it is part of their job? No, it isn’t, but it still happens. People check emails, talk on their phone, and text people all while in the middle of meetings with people right in front of them.

To avoid frustration, hurt feelings, and a downward spiral into complete disregard for good manners, I think there should be a guidebook for tech etiquette. So, I’ve compiled some simple rules for etiquette when it comes to technology. You might think they should go without saying, but like a mother’s reminder to say “bless you” after someone sneezes, sometimes a quick reminder goes a long way.

1.     Excuse yourself before answering a phone call in the middle of a conversation.

2.     If you need to send an email during a meeting, let the person know beforehand that you will be doing so.

3.     No texting, tweeting, or Facebooking while on a phone call.

4.     Only use speakerphone if it is absolutely necessary to be hands free.

5.     When in the company of others, limit the amount of time spent on the phone and computer.

6.     Limit distractions while interacting: namely the internet when having conversations with other people.

When you’re deciding if what you’re doing is rude or impolite, think about how it would make you feel if someone were doing the same thing to you.

If you would feel offended, annoyed, or even just tempted to roll your eyes, then stop before someone else feel like you aren’t listening to what they have to say.

They may seem like a no-brainer, but apply these simple rules of etiquette and you may just strengthen your personal relationships, because the people you are with will know they have your undivided attention.