01-Mar-2011 12:57

Mobile Rage? Are you a sufferer or contributor?

The rapid growth of mobile phone technology has made communication and accessibility far easier than ever before…

Inevitably, it's has also driven many towards a gradual reduction in mobile etiquette.

A fairly recent Intel survey in the US seems to confirm that the lack of 'mobile manners' has created a new mode of public rage or should we coin it "Mobile Rage"?

The widespread use of mobile phones, Smartphones, Tablets & iPhones whilst driving, in the cinema, eating in a restaurant, in a public place, texting on the move or simply loud in discussion with mates in a public bathroom would appear to many to be a real "misuse" of mobile technology & lack of mobile etiquette.

The recent Intel survey of the 2,000 respondents showed that 90% of American adults claimed they are victims of poor mobile technology. Surprisingly, and perhaps stubbornly, only 19% of the respondents themselves believed they themselves had poor mobile habits!

Until just a few years ago, mobile phones were considered to be a luxury item.

Now, they are apparently a necessity for most and an addiction for a few….

Surveys also show that over 20% (and the surveys did NOT include teenagers, wow!) admit to checking their mobilephones, BBMs and emails even before getting out of bed first thing in the morning.

Regrettably, the loss of 'mobile propriety' in modern 2011 society is now accepted as a reality.
Most of us undoubtedly believe that inaction & turning a blind eye (or should I say 'a deaf ear') may be the simplest, if not the optimum, way to deal with this problem.

Does our growing demand to be incessantly connected and online give us the freedom to abuse the technology, reduce degrees of etiquette, & resort to 'mobile-rage'?

I think not!

Personally, I must admit to being one of those early morning email & text checkers and I am known to take calls during meals and in company.. but I do make a conscious effort not to disrupt others too…

Perhaps the simple answer is to recognise that technology and mobile services are an enormous & admirable boon to all of us, but awareness towards neighbours and the recognition of others' privacy must remain of paramount importance too.

What do you think?

Please share your opinion by leaving a comment.

Norman