Do Smartphones Make You Lose Your Etiquette?
Let’s See Where the Moral Dilemma Lies
by Aldrin N. on 2012-03-25
We know that sports has been a general domain for boys and men, but how far will that fondness go if it makes our Adam lose his ethical orientation?
I remember the AT&T commercial in which a couple is on a romantic dinner at a plush bistro or restaurant, but the guy seems to be preoccupied with something else: He keeps on eyeing his device, in furtive amusement of the on-going football game on his iPhone.
The effects of technology are a double-edged sword. Our phones are used to communicate with people, in the hopes that despite the distance and unavailability of close human presence, a connection will still be established. But in the case of the sports lover guy having a conversation with his lady love, ties can be severed because of the distraction that is his iPhone. I know it’s okay to give in to our temptation when it comes to using our gadgets, but using it also entails some social responsibilities. If the gadget is used to detach a person from his values, then the ultimate purpose of technology is already defeated- the leverage to make our lives better and easier.
According to an article on PC World that also tackles the same issue- bad behavior flouting proper social conventions, a February survey by Motricity and Wakefield Research reveals that 55% of gizmo-addict sports fans have ‘sneaked a peek at their phones during dinner. Apparently, this kind of action is very common across cultures, gender, race, and locations.
The research details that if you secretly check scores when you know it yields reproach, you are not alone. According to the article, nearly 1 in 4 fans has broken the rules of theater etiquette by checking scores at the movies, roughly 1 in 5 has risked romantic rejection by doing so on a date, and 1 in 7 has risked the wrath of a higher power by doing so at church.
Okay, I am not for spiritual fanaticism but it is totally infuriating to see people tinkering with their gadgets while the priest or pastor is giving his sermon. I mean, when you become affiliated with a certain group, you send a subtle message that you are submitting yourself to following the rules and policies of that group, whatever that may be.
It is crystal clear that mobile gizmos like the smartphones, iPhones, and tablets will play a crucial role in how we keep ourselves posted on our favorite sports scoops. The survey shows that 8 out of 10 fans used their smartphones or tablets to watch their favorite sports last year.
What is more interesting is the revelation that the bathroom is not the only place where you can seek physical comfort or answer the call of nature. The survey says that 50% of sports fans have gone to the restroom not take a pee but take a peek to check scores of their favorite soccer teams or games.
This is exactly what technology brings us- confusion bordering on alienation from the true human nature. Nonetheless, if you want to raise the flag of morality and the only way to do it is to let go of our smartphones, I urge you to sell your smartphone at www.cashforsmartphones.com and get cash for it!
Sell your smartphone now and sell it at Cash for Smartphones!
Aldrin Norwood is a resident blogger for Cash for Smartphones. A certified multimedia geek, he lives and breathes smartphone news and updates. Born from a family of writers- reinforced by his degree in English Studies- his work had been cited Honorable Mention on the Genoveva Edroza-Matute Literary Awards in 2011- Essay Division, and had been the Editor-in-Chief of his university’s official publication. He mostly writes about philosophy, pop culture, movies, literature, and technology, specifically about the smartphone industry.
