The loud-talker burning through “anytime minutes” in the seat next to you. The inconsiderate gossip queen flapping away at their cellphone in a doctor’s office. That seriously ill-equipped motorists attempting to juggle a cellphone and a hamburger – driving is a secondary priority. If you live anywhere near civilization, you’re probably all too familiar with these types of rude cellphone users. And, it’s damn annoying! Human nature drives us to reach out and connect with those we care about, but that doesn’t make it okay to annoy everyone in the immediate vicinity.
It should be a telling sign that one of our posts about a portable mobile phone jammer is consistently ranked among the most-viewed posts on IntoMobile. In fact, portable cellphone jammers are commonly available these days. The cellphone “problem” is so bad that cellphones have been banned in New York City schools. Even the White House Press Corps. sees its share of rude mobile phone talkers.
How appropriate
The problem is rooted in the seeming lack of “mobile etiquette,” a lack of awareness and consideration for how your cellphone habits might disrupt those around you. You might be surprised to know that there are some loose “rules” floating around out there. InfoWorld posted the “Ten commandments of cellphone etiquette” back in 2007. Cnet Australia followed up later in 2007 with their own “Mind your mobile phone manners.” And that’s just to name a couple. With all the various mobile etiquette “rules” already in place, the challenge lies in creating awareness for continued “socio-mobile misconduct.”
How do we create that awareness? How do you get people to take the issue seriously? You put people on blast and let them know that behaviors “x,” “y” and “z” are not socially acceptable! Take the user-driven testimonial blog Mob Peeve, for example. The idea behind the website is to call people out on their “annoying mobile behaviors.” People tend to avoid face-to-face confrontations, but in the online world, the gloves come off. Mob Peeve invites peeved citizens of humanity to “out social “pests” and create a sense of retaliation” by posting pictures and videos of offensive socio-mobile behaviors. And, when your own built-up angst for rude cellphone users gets stale, you can check out Mob Peeve’s blog for some good times!
Everyone has the right to talk on their cellphones. But, it’s important to remember that your mobile conversation might be annoying your neighbor. With enough momentum, Mob Peeve could help change the way we all view our mobile habits. Head on over to Mob Peeve and help change the world!