Technology Etiquette

Does it irritate you when you find yourself listening to another shopper’s phone call while you are picking up milk, broccoli and pork steak?  You might not want to listen to that person’s conversation but seem to get stuck behind a chatty shopper? I recently read a great article about technology etiquette from the University of Texas Health Leader wellness magazine. 

We all love our smart phones and technology.  I’ve been guilty of talking on my cell phone through a one-store shopping experience.  I just had not considered how rude my behavior might be. 

The UT Health staff recommends four good suggestions for tech etiquette:

1.      “Follow the Golden Rule”.  How do you want to be treated?  Treat others in the way you want to be treated.

2.      “Wait a minute.”  Don’t send texts or emails until you check them over.  Autocorrect can easily change your words and the entire message.  If you are angry or upset, wait even longer and re-read your messages before you send them. 

3.      “Stop before you share.”  Remember what you post on the internet lives on.  Texts and emails can be forwarded around the world if the receiver chooses to forward them. 

4.      “Pay attention.”  People chat while shopping.  According to the CDC, many Americans talk on their phones and text while driving.  In our multi-tasking society, we can become very distracted.  Are we accomplishing more or just causing stress?

Thanks to the University of Texas staff, I’ve learned good lessons on technology etiquette.  How about you?  This article can be found at http://www.uthealthleader.org/index/article.htm?id=b8b2e394-986d-4d64-b47b-99d682382ee2