Just because you have the new iPhone doesn’t mean you have to be an insufferable jerk. You can use the newest technology and still be civilized.
Emily Post just released the 18th edition of her etiquette book, and it includes a section on technology. Here are some of her tips.
#1.) Dropped cell phone calls: It’s the responsibility of the person who originally made the call to call back and apologize for the interruption . . . even though it was probably AT&T’s fault that the call was dropped.
#2.) Multitasking: Basically, don’t get caught. You should never type, shuffle papers, eat, or do anything else the person on the other end might notice. And never ever “call from the stall.” Flush, wash your hands, THEN make the call.
#3.) Responding on Facebook: You are NOT required to respond to every friend request or comment someone leaves on your page. The etiquette guide says, quote, “Human attention is a gift.” So, YOU get to decide who gets your gift.
#4.) Unfriending: If you catch up with an old high school friend, then remember why you didn’t like them in high school, you’re allowed to unfriend them after the initial reconnection. You can also untag yourself and delete comments from your page.
