Image by nocklebeast via Flickr
Yesterday I read a blog about Tech Etiquette and I whole heartedly agreed with the author. So as I got in the car later, with my older son, I decided to broach the topic with him. Well, what the hell was I thinking? Obviously the younger crowd is not ready for us and our “helpful” criticism as they have grown up with this technology as part of their lives for their entire lives so they do not know what is rude or acceptable. Oh, boy…life better catch up with technology or us dinosaurs better die out, because I don’t think these kids have any clue what’s rude or what’s not.
I am 40 something (I don’t think I’m THAT old) I just think I have manners, and I thought I brought my sons up with some manners but that is yet to be seen in this ever evolving techno world. When I think about it I think I have been a little lax with my boys letting them text around me anytime they want, because they are so cute and fast, and it doesn’t bother me. But maybe I haven’t laid down any ground rules, and they won’t know what to do in the real world, uh, oh…
Here are some of my gripes, and I mentioned them to my son, he said nothing, just told me, OK Mom, get off your soap box, when I was done. I had left it in the form of a question so I guess that may answer my question…
People should talk to and visit with a live person over a phone call always…you can let your phone go to voice mail unless you are waiting for some very important call ie., news on buying a house, news on getting a job, expectant parent news, etc., you get my drift, enjoy the one you’re with…(remember when we didn’t have cell phones, people wouldn’t have been able to get in touch with you just to tell you something lame as you are in the middle of a visit) it’s just plain rude))
When you do get a call you must take, walk a little distance away, no one wants to overhear your whole conversation and live vicariously through you. Also, you don’t have to yell your whole conversation, be aware of and use your “indoor” voice.
Texting or talking on the phone at dinner should be verboten. Turn your cell phone off; better yet just don’t bring it. Think manners, think if you would want people to do it to you. Common sense and common decency; use them.
During meetings, turn phones off. People go to a lot of effort to prepare for a meeting, would you want people to only half pay attention to you? It’s obvious, no one multi tasks as well as they thinks, both jobs are done half-assed.
People with Bluetooth devices need attention. Get real, and get a life. Unless you are using it in a car for handsfree driving it’s all about “Look at me, I’m so important”. Puleease! Every person I have ever seen with one was speaking way to loud, looked like they needed people to look at them to see that they were so much better than average. We get it, you are so busy, you can’t even hold your phone as you are walking, why, I don’t know, but I guess, ’cause you are way too cool. Maybe when they associate brain cancer to the bluetooth, and the radio signals going straight to your brain you might be sorry you couldn’t actually hold the phone, just sayin’. Not wishing it on anyone, I just don’t like the thought of the thing in your ear constantly, and when I got one FOR MY CAR, it bothered me, it gave me a pain in my head and down my jaw. But I am very sensitive.
As for multi tasking, I know for myself , I definitely can not do too many things at once. When I am typing on my computer, please don’t even try to talk to me. I can not comprehend hearing anything as I am trying to compose a thought. Too much going on at once, I know I honestly can’t do both jobs that well. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I want to compose well thought out prose, I don’t want my writing to suffer, or my listener to get the short end of the stick. So when my husband tries to talk to me, as I’m composing, I tell him to wait a minute. I finish the thought I’m working on. Get it down, then listen. Then get back to typing. Can’t do both, unless it’s a simple thought. That’s the problem. People, need to spend more time doing one thing at a time, and do it well.
I believe people at the workplace might be jerking around too much with surfing the web, talking with coworkers, having too many non-essential meetings than trying to get their work done. Multitasking has been taken to a new high and it’s hurting productivity in America. It’s not all the individuals fault, it’s also the expectations of the company piled on top of the freedom of time allowance on the computer and freedom of movement through the world and net. It’s a catch 22, it’s just too much freedom for unorganized or unfocused people. Also with all the regulations in companies now with HR Depts. it takes a lot to fire a person even if they are a non-producer, or slacker, which doesn’t help motivate others to not abuse the system.
Wow, sorry I guess I did go off on some serious tangents! But I call ’em as I see ’em! Just some stuff rattling around my brain . . .
(C) Written by Evelyn Garone 8/2010
The Oracle Of Ahwatukee . . . 