These days most Americans own either a new or used cell phone, and it is not hard to see why.  Cell phones take people's communicative abilities to new levels, allowing intense or discreet conversations to take place nearly anywhere, anytime.  These new abilities are certainly useful, but, as with as with any new ability, many do not understand all the implications of this new-found power.  There are in fact a few guidelines to be (at least) considered before using a cellular device in public, so that the world does not become a desensitized mess of white noise.

The Waiting Room at the Dentist's Office

You are trying not to focus on the faint sound of the dentist's drill, when suddenly the man next to you gets a call on his heavily used Blackberry.  Seemingly delighted at the idea of a distraction, the man answers his phone.  He starts talking about his wife and how he caught her cheating on him, and you notice a little boy across the room staring at him, swinging his feet.  The man starts going into more explicit details, and you cannot help but think that this situation is not right.  Well, you are correct.  There are certain subjects that are inappropriate for certain situations, and texting offers a great alternative to talking when you are in an intimate setting like this with people who are most likely perfect strangers.  If you must talk on your phone in a situation like this, avoid subjects that might be offensive or disturbingly personal.

At the Game

Your team is down; they need you.  The guy in front of you has been reporting the details of the game to someone on the other end of his refurbished cell phone since the game began. Now he has started arguing intensely with the person on the other end, intermingling swearwords and name-calling.  Everyone around you has lost track of the game, and again, you see a child watching the man.  While a sports event is not exactly the dentist's office, rules still apply.  At a ball game there is a higher level of acceptance when it comes to cell phone usage, but you still have to be mindful of everybody that is around you and be sensitive to how they are reacting to your behavior.

Further Advice on Public Cell Phone Use

If you are concerned about being a polite cell phone user, a general rule for public conversations is that texting is preferred to talking unless you can get at least ten or fifteen feet away from other people.  Accepting a call in a crowded place may be acceptable if you simply tell the person you cannot talk right now and will text them, but the acceptability of doing this in a crowded place depends greatly upon the specific details of the crowd.  Ultimately, the most general rule that can be offered is this:  always be conscious of your surroundings if you choose to have a conversation in public.