Wireless, mobile and cellular are some of the words that have become commonplace in today’s fast moving, always improving society. However, one thing the new millennium has not provided us with is a set of manners to use those sometimes troublesome little devices we have come to know as “cell phones.” Here are a few of the annoying things cell phone users do and some ways to stop the madness.1. Turn It Off.
Although these gadgets can be very convenient, especially in emergency situations, they can also be very annoying to those subjected to the inconsiderate user. The theme for “The Pink Panther” brings back great childhood memories, but do I really feel like reminiscing during the middle of a movie I paid five dollars to get into? When I went to see “The Matrix: Reloaded”, five cell phones went off during the movie. I can understand forgetting to turn off the ringer to a certain extent, but The Palace reminds its audiences to turn off, or silence, cellular devices before the movie begins. Whenever a person actually takes the call, it makes me question whether they forgot to turn it off. People need to understand how much it disturbs their fellow patrons when they allow their phones to ring during a movie.
The movie theater is not the only spot we hear these out-of-place tones. Teachers are incessantly interrupted by these silly little sounds. It never fails. You are diligently listening and taking notes and, suddenly, a backpack starts ringing. No matter how much teachers emphasize their distaste for phones ringing in the middle of a lecture, there are always students who do not seem to think it is that important, and it always seems like the same students who are ringing. These teachers work hard to prepare lectures and instill the knowledge we need to be proficient in their courses. Therefore, as students we need to do everything we can to show them the respect they deserve. After all, the teachers are here for us.
2. Speak Softly.
What about privacy? Long gone are the days where people excuse themselves from a phone conversation to acknowledge that there are other people in the same room. From grocery stores to doctor’s offices, we hear the intimate details of complete strangers’ lives. Sometimes we learn more about them than we know about our own families. Although this aspect of cell phone usage is annoying, it can also be quite entertaining, especially while waiting to check out or see the doctor. Users should think about what their personal thresholds are for hearing about other people’s personal lives, and, based on those standards, try to set limits on what they talk about in public.
3. Watch Out.
Aside from the irritation these contraptions can lead to, they can also be dangerous for those who use them while they drive. First, people need to realize they are behind the wheel of a very heavy piece of metal and that, at the very least, most of their attention should be on directing that piece of machinery where to go. However, if a person is deeply enthralled in a conversation about Susie and Johnny’s fight last weekend, he or she can easily be distracted from little things like checking lanes before crossing over into them. This brings to mind another point: maybe you should at least have both hands available for driving in case you need to avoid running over small animals or children. Invest in a hands free device, which will put your caller on a speaker and enable you to carry on a conversation with a little less risk.

Anybody may be guilty of one, or all, of these complaints without even realizing the effect they are having on others. I urge all cell phone users to take responsibility for their devices and use them responsibly.