It goes without saying, our phones are a part of our everyday lives. We use it for phone calls, text messages, and the instant access to the internet. This access is both a blessing and a curse to some. Having instant access to everyone we know can come in handy during a trying time, but it can also be extremely exhausting to others.
This poses the question, what is the etiquette to using our phone while we are in other peoples company? I think it truly depends on the situation you find yourself in.
When you find yourself casually hanging out with a friend, say at your respective houses, then using your phone periodically throughout the evening to text or scroll through your social media is completely fine. In fact, it can lead to more interesting conversations during your visit.
On the other hand, if you are invited to attend a dinner with your friend, whether its at their house or out at a restaurant, there should be a few things to take into consideration.
The plans to attend the gathering should be your primary focus. Interacting with your host, or if you are the host yourself, tend to your guests with your full attention. Your phone may be receiving notifications, but it's encouraged to wait to look at those notifications when you have the opportunity to excuse yourself from the party.
Being invited to a breakfast, lunch or dinner is how many of us spend quality time catching up with those around us. While you are seated at the table it is important to not have your phone placed upon the table. It is considered rude to those you are seated with by taking up more of the table space than is intended. Your phone is not part of a table setting. Instead, place your phone in your pocket, your purse, or in your coat as to not disrupt those you are sitting with.
There are various reasons for someone to have to use their phone when at a social event. The courteous thing to do when you absolutely need to use your phone is to address the whole table, and excuse yourself.
It is easy for us to lose ourselves in our devices, given the ease of access to so many things. I am guilty of doing it as well, but I do think it would benefit us all to remember how important our social attention is when we are together.
-Balfour Wong
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