Cell Phone Use in Polite Society

We have known for a while that using your cell phone while driving increases your chances of having an accident. You may have seen bumper stickers demanding that you "Hang up and drive!" There is something more fundamental than safety concerns around cell phone usage. There are sociological concerns. Let's take a look at why we should, "Hang up and be social."

The first astounding psychological phenomenon that we encounter is how a cell phone ring can spawn a Pavlovian response in a human being. The tone compels its owner to answer no matter where or when it happens. The tone also causes restaurant patrons nearby to begin moving ominously towards the owner, forks at the ready.

Just because your cell phone rings does not mean you have to answer it. There is a time and place for every thing. Talking to your dog groomer is not appropriate when holding up the line at the grocery store. Think before you flip that phone out and start a "private" conversation. Common sense has the additional benefit of keeping a strangers shoe out of your butt.

The whole subject of where and when is the correct time to use your cell phone has been debated by the voices in my head for a while. It really struck home a few weeks ago when I pulled up to a pharmacy drive-thru window only to be greeted by a very large sign that read, "Please finish any cell phone calls BEFORE you ring the bell."

Nothing is more rude than treating another human being like an inanimate, invisible PEZ dispenser. Nothing says, "You are a worthless piece of dung," like continuing your cell phone call while ignoring someone who is trying to help you by professionally completing a transaction for medication that may save your life. You are really going to need that pain control medicine for the whip lash inflicted by the frustrated driver behind you anyway.