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Aussies mobile ‘Phone-Pas’ on the rise
More Australians are forgetting their manners and using their mobile phones inappropriately, according to new Telstra State of the Nation Research [1].
But while four out of five Australians believe we’re getting ruder, less than half would call someone to heel on their bad behaviour.
Telstra Consumer Executive Director, Ms Rebekah O’Flaherty, said the research showed that while traditional gripes such as talking loudly on public transport or using a mobile while driving still topped the list, smartphones were encouraging a new wave of behavior.
“More than one third of the mobiles we sell are smartphones and Facebook use on mobiles has tripled in the past year, so it’s not surprising some of us aren’t sure if it’s acceptable to check-in friends on Facebook during lunch or show-off their latest apps over the dinner table.
“It’s clear modern technology with instant, one-click access to social networking and email had transformed the way Australians live, which is why we need a new set of etiquette rules to help turn around mobile misbehaviour,” she said.
To get mobile etiquette onto the conversation agenda and educate Australians on how to avoid Phone-Pas (poor mobile phone etiquette), Telstra has joined forces with etiquette expert Anna Musson.
“Telstra’s research revealed one-third of Australians witness a Phone-Pas daily but, the majority of us are actually guilty of the etiquette offences we most dislike others doing.
“When it comes to navigating the complex world of mobile etiquette, I recommend a couple of simple tips. Firstly, save it for later – there are some discussions that should not take place over a mobile phone or in public. Also, be ‘socially sensitive’ – a picture, status update or check-in can say a thousand words, so always think before you post,” Anna said.
Telstra’s State of the Nation research on mobile etiquette revealed the most common Phone-Pas personalities include:
- The Peacock (34%). You’re constantly posting status updates, checking-in your friends and talking loudly on your mobile phone. Your behaviour is designed to make sure everyone around you knows you have a ‘fabulous’ life.
- Mover and Shaker (29%). You’re always on the go and your mobile phone is your lifeline, connecting you to work and your social life. You regularly get caught-out answering your mobile phone in meetings or responding to SMS at the dinner table.
- Stimulation Seeker (19%). You can’t sit still and need to be in the know, so you pass the time – whether you’re on the bus or while crossing the road – browsing Facebook, downloading the latest apps or checking out your phone’s features.
- I see, I Do (18%). You tend to follow the crowd and exhibit poor mobile manners because everyone else does – for instance, you’ll start checking emails during a work meeting because those around you are doing it too.
Telstra tips for avoiding Phone-Pas offences include:
- Your mobile phone shouldn’t be part of the table setting. A restaurant isn’t your bedroom, so don’t spend your night out with friends, calling or texting a “better” friend.
- Shut app! No one should tweet what they had for lunch and yes, that includes your latest coffee order.
- Hold that post. A picture tells a thousand words so always seek permission before taking someone’s photograph and remember the golden rule – always think before you post.
- The person at the movies, wedding, funeral… Don't use the movies as a time to catch up with every friend you've ever had, for three solid hours. The rest of the paying audience don't want to hear it.
- Be in the moment. It’s not OK to be in a face to face conversation with someone and answer your phone. Always ask, “Do you mind if I answer this?” when your phone rings in company – it’s not the end of the world if the call goes to MessageBank.
Telstra’s research also found:
- We need to mind our mobile manners. Holding inappropriate conversations on the phone in public (80%), using a phone while driving (80%), loud and annoying ringtones (55%), listening to music loudly on a phone in public (54%), and using a phone while crossing the road (40%) are our top five gripes.
- Tablets increase blood pressure. More than one-third (36%) of Australians believe tablets are also having an impact on good etiquette. Listening to music loudly on a phone in public (40%), showing-off apps (38%), using a tablet at the dinner table (34%), forcing people to look at personal pics (34%) and not muting their text tone (24%) rate the most annoying.
- I see, I do. One in two Australians (47%) hate it when people talk on their phone while on public transport, yet 57% admits to regularly doing so. Similarly, one-third get annoyed when people cross the road while on the phone, but 27% say they do this regularly.
- Seniors driven to distraction. Older Australians (65 years+) are most annoyed when they see people using a phone while driving (94% vs 80% of 18-24 year olds).
- Battle of the sexes. A noisy tapping texter annoys women (25%) more than men (18%), while talking on a mobile phone when crossing the road is a bigger pet peeve for men (45%) than women (34%).
Reference Number: 151/2011
