You've experienced it.
Disrespectful. Disruptive. Obnoxious.
The annoying guy next to you on the bus. The clan of girls strolling down Grand River Avenue. Your loud and senseless roommate. They're everywhere.
It's the attack of inconsiderate cell phone users.
Although it can sometimes be entertaining to eavesdrop on people's conversations, it's usually just plain annoying. Overhearing your neighbor on the bus blabbing about who got how drunk last night isn't exactly the best way to spend your ride to class.
You've heard it before, but there really is a time and place for everything.
But in case you're not sure, the following are not the places or situations to use cell phones:
• class
• movie theater
• ordering food
• the library
• while your roommate is sleeping
And don't think you've got anyone fooled by switching your phone to vibrate. That buzzing coming from your bag or pocket is still just as noticeable and distracting.
According to an AP-AOL-Pew poll, almost nine in 10 cell phone users say they encounter others using their phones in an annoying way.
If that's true, then why did only 8 percent of those same cell phone users acknowledge they are sometimes rude? Those numbers don't match up.
That means that although it's easy to get annoyed while other people are chitchatting around you, its pretty hard to resist answering that ringing phone — even when you'd be annoyed if someone else did the same thing.
Of cell phone users polled, about three-fourths said they have used their cell phones in an emergency. This speaks to the importance and necessity of a cell phone.
But cell phones are used more often for everyday conversations than in urgent situations.
Cell phones are the norm these days. And as more and more people become attached to their wireless phones, we seem to be losing the etiquette and manners of yesteryear.
If people are around you, keep the level of your voice low. It's OK to chat, but we don't all need to hear the details of your weekend escapades.
