Being Present While Staying Connected

Cell phones are everywhere—and for good reason. They keep us connected, informed, and entertained. Most of us carry them constantly, making them a fixture in both our private and public lives.

But with constant connectivity comes a need for thoughtful etiquette. How we use our phones says a lot about how we regard the people around us.

Mind Your Volume
It’s natural: when we can’t hear well, we talk louder. But shouting into your phone doesn’t just raise your own voice—it raises the stress levels of everyone within earshot. Before you start projecting like you’re on stage, consider adjusting your environment or stepping away to take the call privately.

No Speaker in Public Spaces
Using speakerphone in a shared space is rarely a good idea. Whether you’re discussing your uncle’s surgery, your toddler’s potty training, or a disagreement with your partner, not everyone around you needs—or wants—to hear it. Use earbuds or hold the phone to your ear to keep the noise (and the details) between you and your caller.

Choose Your Words (and Topics) with Care
Just because you’re comfortable with the topic doesn’t mean everyone else is. Keep in mind the diversity of audiences in public spaces—children, older adults, strangers with varying sensitivities. Casual swearing or deeply personal stories can make others uncomfortable, even if they’re not directed at them.

Private Conversations Belong in Private Spaces
If your conversation involves sensitive, emotional, or confidential topics, seek out a quiet, secluded place. A parked car, a side room, or even a short walk away from a crowd can give you the privacy you need—and spares others from being unwilling witnesses to matters that aren't theirs to hear.

Use Headphones for Entertainment
Streaming videos, scrolling through TikTok, or playing games? Great. But please, use headphones. In confined or noisy environments—like waiting rooms, airplanes, or grocery lines—unwanted audio adds to the chaos. This goes for children, too: teach them early that headphones (or mute mode) are the courteous choice.

The Bottom Line
Etiquette is about the people around us—how we make them feel and whether we show them respect. With a bit of awareness and kindness, we can all enjoy our phones and be good company to those sharing the space.