Jacqueline Lee

Social Etiquette of Smartphones: Where to draw the line?

A smartphone is a mobile phone which has more advanced features than a basic phone. Basic phones can be used to send text messages and make phone calls, however smartphones can do that and more. The Blackberry, for example, has a specialised Instant Messaging (IM) system called Blackberry Messenger which allows people all over the world to communicate for free, just as long as they have a Blackberry data plan. Another function that smartphones have is Push Email, whereby the emails are sent immediately to the phone, just like a text message. It's fast and it takes communication to a whole new level.

Despite the many good points about smartphones, we have to take into consideration that there are flaws as well. Data plans can be very expensive, especially when individuals overuse their internet. Although people can choose to get an unlimited data plan, those are rather expensive as well, they cost a minimum of $60 a month, excluding the basic plan. Smartphones are useful, but the price of the phone and the plan may cost too much to make it completely worth it.

Smartphones are a good way in which we contact people and keep ourselves entertained, but because of this very fact, people may constantly check their phones at social events which can come off as impolite.