Cell phone convenience and public disturbance
By The Editorial Board
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Illustration By TJ Cordes, STAFF CARTOONIST |
It’s Thursday night and you’re trying to enjoy yourself at your favorite band’s local performance. It’s hard, however, to concentrate on the band when the people ahead, behind and on the sides of you all have their cell phones out texting away.
Yes, it’s your cell phone and you have a right to use it as you see fit, but there are times when it is OK to put your phone away in order to respect the people around you.
When you’re walking on campus, there’s no need to scream. It’s not a can on a string. I’m sure the person on the other end can hear you. And if you’re arguing, save it. Others don’t want to hear all the horrid details of your romantic discord or of your roommate’s humpfest last night.
Don’t text in class. You’ll probably want to pay attention to when and where your final is more than when and where you’re going Thursday night. By the way, it’s annoying when your phone loudly vibrates every two minutes.
Take your Bluetooth out in class. Did you know it flashes every two seconds? That’s pretty distracting when you’re trying to approximate a definite integral.
If you have to answer a call in the library or computer lab, why don’t you walk away from the desks and computers full of working students? Maybe you won’t get as many nasty glares or agitated sighs.
Whenever possible, please don’t start dancing to your ringtone before you answer it. Just because it’s your favorite song doesn’t mean everyone around you is going to enjoy it. Don’t let your phone ring on and on just so you can make it to the chorus. Same with ringback tones. We want to talk to you, we don’t want to listen to your bad taste.
When you’re at a dance or theater performance to fulfill your general education requirement, be respectful and don’t keep your phone out. These are your fellow students performing and obviously they’ve worked hard.
Be respectful to the other students attending the performance, as well. It’s distracting for them to see little fluorescent lights shining all around them. They don’t care if you’re restless.
Can’t keep away from your cell phone for an hour and a half? Don’t go to these performances and don’t get credit for your class.
Most importantly, do not text while driving. New York state law prohibits you to use a hand-held mobile telephone while driving. This is for your and others safety.
Last summer, a car accident caused the death of five teenagers. The cell phone owned by the 17-year-old driver was used to make a call and send and receive text messages within the three minutes before her accident.
If seen using a hand-held phone while driving, you are subject to receiving a traffic ticket and paying a maximum of $100, not includingmandatory surcharges and court fees.If you must use your cell phone while driving, buy a
hands-free kit for as low as $15.
While you’re not driving, feel free to use your personal phone, but remember, not everyone cares about your personal business. Use common sense and be respectful when calling.
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