Smartphone Etiquette for the 21st century. You know that commercial where the people walking around have pop-up bubbles that show their thoughts and what they are really thinking about when in differing situations where their attention should really be on the task at hand… Well, I think that smartphones create those bubbles around us all the time- everywhere we go. Like any smartphone newbie it really is infectious and you almost can’t help checking your email, because, well, you can. Let the luster fade- it is time we lay some ground rules:

1. When you are meeting with an individual, group of people for drinks or a meal, or are attending a smallish meeting (less than 20 people) put the smartphone away, on silent, out of sight. Check it at the end of  your meeting or if you must, excuse yourself to the restroom for a quick check during a meal. Bottom line: give your full attention to people. It is respectful and what you would ask in return.

2. Check-in after. Especially if you are a girl, you need to be a little conscious about broadcasting your whereabouts. If you wait to check-in after the fact, you will likely have a witty comment to attach to your experience too.

3. Don’t bring the blackberry to bed. Many of us use our smartphones as our alarm clocks, but the danger is having it so handy will lead to texting, emailing and twitter surfing when you should be shutting your body down. Try a good old fashioned alarm clock and designate a ‘1 hour no electronics before bed’ rule. You will sleep better and let your mind disconnect.

Any other tips you would add?…

(picture via littleteaspoon)