Technology Etiquette
The digital divide is most commonly defined as the gap between those individuals and communities that have, and do not have, access to the information technologies that are transforming our lives (Dickard, n.d.). Although the gap in the divide seems to be getting smaller and therefore on a positive trend, it seems that the line of common sense regarding use of that same technology is not on the same path. It seems to me that there is a big lack of digital boundary and the trend is continuing down the wrong path. Digital or Technology etiquette (“Digital Etiquette”, n.d.) seems to be a hard act to implement but I propose it as a solution to overcome the lack of digital boundary along with who I feel should help establish this new way of thinking.
How often is too often to check your phone or e-mail while in a business or social setting? Some would say to check your device at all is showing a lack of respect and to actually answer e-mails, texts or a phone call is just plain rude and I completely agree. This is just one example of crossing the digital boundary. Don’t get me wrong, using technology to ease our everyday lives is a great thing, however, our addiction to it doesn’t allow us to separate and differentiate the digital world from the real world it seems. Having no common sense and being rude are where the boundary is crossed and it seems to me that the solution to this problem is to enforce technology etiquette.
If people do feel the need to take a call or check their e-mail, they should at least ask the people they are with if they mind. That is the polite thing to do or at the very least if a call comes in that cannot be avoided, apologize for the interruption. An even better idea is to excuse yourself and do a check when you go to the bathroom (as weird as that may be!). Setting the device to vibrate is good etiquette and even better would be to turn it off completely.
When answering a phone in public the main thing...
