Smartphone Etiquette: Competitive mobile tariffs and fast 5G service in India have made smartphones an integral part of life across every section of life. However, with its increasing use, lack of proper behavior and etiquette has now become a major social challenge. This report discusses the basic rules that need to be followed while using smartphones at home, office and public places.

Smartphone etiquette required

Smartphone usage has increased rapidly among individuals of all ages in India due to affordable data plans and free benefits of OTT telecom companies. But there appears to be a significant drawback in adopting this digital habit: people are not aware of correct smartphone etiquette. People watch videos and make loud calls without headphones in public transport, buses and other places, causing inconvenience in public places. Therefore, it has become extremely important to increase awareness regarding smartphone etiquette.

importance of habits

Listening to audio without headphones in public places is not only a problem for the privacy of others, but it also makes the environment uncomfortable. Ringtones and notifications ringing during meetings in the office interrupt the team’s work. The sound of notifications in the house late at night can disturb the sleep of the family. These small habits lead to bigger social issues—privacy violations, social inconveniences, and negative user image.

responsibility of companies

There are already features on smartphone platforms that can help maintain global etiquette. Like “Do Not Disturb” mode, custom notification settings, and headphone-detection system. But the problem is that users are not using these features. Telecom and smartphone companies should focus on teaching users proper behavior and promote “Usage Etiquette Guidelines”.

scope of digital literacy

Experts believe that digital literacy in India is limited only to the use of apps, while practical etiquette has not been paid attention to. Social media influencers and content creators do not take into account the privacy of others while making videos in public places. It is necessary to stop this trend from spreading among common users. If companies and governments work together to run “digital behavior campaigns,” smartphone etiquette could be turned into a social norm.

Respect for convenience and privacy

With 5G technology and affordable data plans, the importance of smartphone etiquette will further increase with the addition of new users. In future, users will have to ensure that they respect the comfort of family at home, professional environment at office and privacy of others in public places. If these habits are developed from now on, the face of Digital India will become more civilized.

Smartphone usage behavior in public places

If you are using a smartphone in a public place, take care that your habits do not disturb others.

• If you have to listen to music, watch a video or make a video call, always use headphones.
• Set your phone’s sound profile to suit your environment—like silent or vibrate—to avoid disturbing others.
• If you have to receive a call, try to go to a quiet place and avoid speaking loudly or laughing.
• Avoid talking loudly about personal or professional matters in public spaces, as this may cause discomfort to others.
• If you have to have a private conversation, make sure that your words do not reach the people around you.
• While taking photos or videos, make sure that other people do not come into the frame. If it is necessary to do so, please take their permission.

To put the content simply, while using smartphones in public places, it is as important to take care of the convenience and privacy of others as it is of your own. This is correct smartphone etiquette.