Minding your digital manners for Cellphone Courtesy Month
UScellular survey reveals consumer thoughts on inappropriate phone use
July is Cellphone Courtesy Month and with smartphone usage on the rise, it’s a timely reminder to watch your digital manners. UScellular conducted a survey1 to learn how considerate consumers are while using their smartphones.
Some key survey insights include:
Number One. A place of worship is still considered to be the most inappropriate place to use a cellphone, with 68 percent of people believing that is off-limits.
On the Rise. 65 percent of people believe using your smartphone while on a date is rude, an 8 percent increase from 2022.
Room for Improvement. Less than half of consumers think cellphone use is inappropriate during dinner with family and friends (42 percent), while spending time with their kids (24 percent) or while at a concert (21 percent).
Anytime, Anywhere. Demonstrating a change in views on smartphone use, only 4 percent of people think there are no inappropriate places to use their cellphone, a significant decrease from 2022.
“As cellphones have become more engrained in our daily lives, it can be easy to forget about our digital manners,” said Brandi McCune, director of sales and operations for UScellular in New England. “UScellular is encouraging everyone to reset their relationship with technology and connect with what matters most, especially during moments when being on a device can be considered inappropriate.”
UScellular is offering the following tips to help smartphone users mind their digital manners:
Put Your Phone in US Mode. UScellular created US Mode to help you better utilize customizable native focus settings on your smartphone. US Mode helps you take control of notifications – personalize when and how your phone sends alerts to minimize distractions, focus on human connections and be more courteous to those around you.
For Your Ears Only. Sound can travel further than you think, which can create a negative experience for those around you. Set ringers and vibration patterns on low and be mindful of your own voice when you take phone calls or video chat. Try using Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds or other types of headphones while you game, take a work call or stream content to help contain your digital noise.
Watch Your Step. Don’t be one of the 34 percent of people who have walked into someone or something while using their phone. It is a good idea to stop walking, look up and be attentive while using your smartphone.
1 Between Nov. 28 and Dec. 6, 2023, a total of 1,000 online interviews were conducted among a nationally representative sample of U.S. consumers between 18-41 years old by Consumer Insights, in partnership with PureSpectrum
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has donated more than $23 million in hotspots and service to help youth connect to reliable internet. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.