Modern manners: texting etiquette
Shane Brown
Issue date: 11/19/07 Section: Opinion
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It is an impossible distraction, the cell phone. Yes, the absolute power to reach anyone at any time is great, but when it's in class or out with friends it can distract you from what is going on.
It's rude and annoying.
I understand; I have a phone. Yet, keeping the phone on through Humanities might push Jacoby over the edge, and nobody wants that. Oh, and texting in class? You're just asking for it.
Trying to hide the phone all the while texting to your significant other how much you need them that night... it's not nice. Let's be honest, your instructors aren't dumb. They can see you in the back row texting under the table. In that case, just do it out in the open, or better yet, leave. You are wasting valuable space in a chair I'd like to set my feet on. Thank you.
Unless you are taking notes on your phone (let's be serious--- that's not the case), put it away. You are becoming a distraction to my learning, and I'm really trying to get these notes. I'd like to pass.
OK, you wanna know what is worse?
Texting in a group.
It has become a habit to text friends while we are hanging out with other people. If you wanted to talk to them, why aren't you hanging out with them? Why is it so impossible to go an entire evening without blank spaces in conversation where everyone is on their phones at once? It's weird.
Personally, I don't have texting. It's dumb. I'd rather just call the person and in a matter of seconds get what I need and be on my merry way. Why type in a conversation on a cell phone keypad and wait 10 minutes for a response when it is so much faster to call? Is my point clear yet?
Even better! Ready?! Texting while on a date!
I know I'm not that interesting or fun to look at (thank you, God, for my other qualities), but is it so necessary that you must text in the middle of dinner, hanging out, or any other recreational activity? Yes, I'll wait here as you text your friend the answer to why her boyfriend is scum.
I am going to continue to hate text messaging as long as that buzzing noise from my neighbor's bag continues to interrupt my classes. This has become an everyday occurrence.
I hate to break it to you unless you are smart enough to already know, but texting is slowly separating humans from one another and destroying the way we communicate and relate.
Put the phone down; better yet, shut it off and leave it behind. But don't forget your wallet and keys. You'll need those.
Shane Brown is a reporter for The Sentinel. His opinions are his own. Respond to this column by writing a letter to the editor and delivering it to Siebert Room or e-mail sentinel@nic.edu. The Sentinel welcomes and encourages your input.
Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 9
Nikki Scaplen
posted 2/11/09 @ 1:16 PM PST
EXCELLENT blog! It just so happens that I sat at an important local event last night where people were texting throughout the speaker's presentation. Was the presentation long? Yes. (Continued…)
Austin Hunt
posted 2/13/09 @ 5:39 PM PST
Sir here you are wrong. Texting is a valuable and effective way of communicating. Undoubtably people said the exact same things you are saying about email, phones, and no doubt letterwriting. (Continued…)
Jennifer Leaf
posted 2/13/09 @ 8:16 PM PST
I'm with Shane on this. Texting in class, on a date, or when you have already committed to give someone your attention (you teacher, date, or friend) is pretty rude. (Continued…)
Kerian
Kerian Eppes
posted 2/26/09 @ 1:00 PM PST
I agree with you and Shane, Jennifer. Texting when you are out with a friend or in class is rude! I recently had lunch with a friend and she texted throughout the entire meal. (Continued…)
Kerian Eppes
posted 2/26/09 @ 1:26 PM PST
Sorry Austin, but Shane is not wrong about this, you are. Texting maybe valuble in some aspects, but it should also have its limits. How would you like to be going some where with a friend who spends the entire time on the cell phone with someone else? Or would you like to have lunch with a friend and have him/her texting through the entire lunch and not even look up at you, or talk to you? Maybe you do not find that inconsiderate and rude, but it is. (Continued…)
Mary Hu
posted 6/05/09 @ 3:17 AM PST
My boyfriend recently texted during a date (he's done it on various occasions as well). I definitely called him out on it. I was tempted to text him to tell him to stop , but I blocked all texting on my phone. (Continued…)
brebdonera
posted 3/22/10 @ 6:59 AM PST
Nice review! Thanks!
seo paslaugos
posted 4/12/10 @ 2:46 PM PST
Prompt reply, attribute of mind :)
Katie G.
posted 4/12/10 @ 6:11 PM PST
I would have to agree that texting interrupts EVERY thing in life. I am myself a textaholic, but I have learned that, hey guess what, its not life or death or they'd call. (Continued…)
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