Ask just about anyone about cell phone usage in public and you will likely find out that they have a pet peeve about the practice. While there are ways to politely use cell phones in public places, it seems that we as humans tend to be more on the rude side, lacking tact and thoughtfulness when communicating with others who are not in the room.

 

SpinVox (News - Alert), a provider of voice-to-text technology, used its expertise in mobile phone culture to identify America’s top ten most annoying cell phone habits. The company has listed those antisocial practices in an effort to foster harmonious community living. In addition, SpinVox offers helpful tips to more respectfully use your cell phone in public.

 

“Cell phones have become as necessary as our wallets and keys in our daily routine,” said Christina Domecq (News - Alert), SpinVox co-founder and CEO, in a Tuesday statement. “With such a high level of integration into our lives and with so many people using cell phones, it is important to always be considerate of others around us when using them.”

 

Interestingly, 82 percent of all Americans report being irritated at least occasionally by loud and annoying mobile phone users conducting their calls in public places. This data is according to a 2006 study conducted by the Pew (News - Alert) Internet and American Life Project.

 

It is also just as likely that the same individuals who have been irritated by the cell phone use of others are guilty of bad habits themselves.

The following is a list of the most often cited antisocial usage habits reported by SpinVox users, and remedies for eliminating the annoying practice.

Loud Speakers – these are individuals who talk at a volume that is loud enough for everyone them to hear. They fail to realize that those around them really do not care to hear their conversation, no matter how important they may feel about the information being shared. Such individuals should try to find a more appropriate location to hold their conversation.

 

Taste Blasters – these users shout their musical preferences through their ringtones. While individuality is a great thing, these users should consider their environment and adjust the volume of the ringer accordingly.

Chow Chatterers – these people use their cell phones at the dinner table to eat and talk at the same time. Not only is this rude to others at the table, the user is likely talking at elevated levels, disturbing other tables. These individuals should consider whether the call is important enough to interrupt the meal and if so, take the call in a more appropriate location.

Spinal Tappers – these users either have their speaker volumes turned up to eleven (out of ten) or are having conversations in public through their speakerphones. Such individuals should remember to be courteous and adjust speaker volume and only use speakerphone when at home or in their office.

Text Maniacs – people who are constantly texting, including during conversations, meetings, meals, etc. Like regular cell phone use, if the text absolutely cannot wait, such an individual should excuse him or herself from the situation before texting.

Check-Out Blockers – these individuals talk on the phone at the check-out station when they should be paying and collecting their things, often ignoring the checker and those waiting behind them. When it comes time for his or her turn, this individual should put the phone away, or wait until they are finished with the conversation.

Ring Cyclists – such individuals let their cell phones ring and ring, rather than answer or silence them. This can easily be solved by keeping the cell phone in a place that is easy to find to either answer or mute the ring.

Free Samplers – people that select their ringtones in public by freely sampling each and every one very loudly. Those around absolutely are not interested in hearing the ringtones and such practices should be done in private.

Walk ‘n Scrollers – these are people texting or hunting through their contacts while talking. While this is great multitasking, it is also easy to bump into people. These individuals should consider stopping a moment and stepping aside to find what they need. It is likely they will lose less time by focusing on walking after they complete this activity on the sidelines.

Can Conversationalists – perhaps the worst of all, these individuals take calls in public bathroom stalls. Nothing is so important that it cannot wait until business is taken care of properly and without phone. This should never be done!

 

“SpinVox voice-to-text technology gives people more freedom and control over how they express themselves and communicate with others,” said SpinVox CEO Christina Domecq, in Tuesday’s statement. “In particular, SpinVox Voicemail, which automatically converts your voice messages into text, helps you avoid some common cell phone faux pas by allowing you to check voicemail messages efficiently and without offense to others whenever and wherever you choose.”

 

Jeremy Greenberg, a New Jersey education consultant and SpinVox user has been using the service to help manage his calls, increase productivity and improve his cell phone etiquette.

 

“I love NOT calling voice mail EVER! I also love checking messages at meetings (discretely, of course), and the instant call back feature is cool,” said Greenberg. “I have recommended SpinVox to my family and friends and consider SpinVox to have really enhanced my quality of life.”

 

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