12 Technology and Phone Etiquette Rules You Should Be Following Every Day
Updated: May. 02, 2020Do you know when you should put your cell phone away and stop texting? Are you schooled in the art of netiquette?
Don’t send electronic thank-yous
If all you have to say in your email reply is “Thanks!” refrain from sending it. You’re just clogging an inbox. If they feel like they have to follow up with you for a response, they will let you know. Make sure you don’t do any of these other annoying email habits, either.
Use direct message for conversations
Long “@” conversations on Twitter bore other followers and take up a lot of room on their feed. Take them to Twitter’s Direct Message (DM) or email. It will be a lot easier to follow the conversation and you won’t end up losing any annoyed followers.
Hang up the phone
Don’t use cell phones in a waiting room, checkout line, restaurant, train, or (heaven forbid!) bathroom stall. When someone is trying to help you, it’s a huge pain and extremely disrespectful to be talking with someone else on the phone. Put your phone down and give your full attention to the task at hand. Also follow these other cell phone etiquette tips.
Don’t constantly check your phone
When talking to someone in person, don’t glance down at your cell phone to see who’s trying to reach you. Your notifications can wait. Try to be present. That kind of body language will lead a person to not trust you. Watch out for some other signs you could be addicted to your phone.
Ask if they are available
When direct messaging, especially for a more serious conversation, always ask if now is a good time to chat. Catching someone at a bad time can lead to an unproductive and boring conversation. Make sure you have their full attention before continuing to chat.
It’s okay to use free Wi-Fi, but be warned
It’s OK to piggyback on a neighbor’s free Wi-Fi as long as you don’t hog it and do realize it’s not secure. When you use networks that are not secure, scammers can attack your computer.
R.S.V.P quickly
RSVP to legitimate online invitations promptly. The reason they sent an invite electronically is because they want a faster response. As soon as you get the invite, respond to it. That way you won’t forget to later. Here are some more annoying texting habits you have without realizing it.
Censor your emails
Things not to do when emailing: shout in all caps, use colored fonts or clip-art emoticons, attach large files, forward an email unless appropriate. Find out the things you should never say over text or email.
Follow certain rules for saying “thank you”
You can email thank-you notes for party invitations and birthday gifts given in person, as long as you send each of them separately. (No cc’s.) For mailed gifts, letters of recommendation, and wedding presents, a written note is still preferable.
It’s OK to brag on social media
It’s fine to brag on your Facebook page if it is indeed a big, exciting occasion, and make sure you high-five your friends just as often. Comment on their posts celebrating whatever it is they are bragging about. That way people will know you aren’t just on social media to boast about your accomplishments. And, whatever you do, avoid sharing these things on social media.
Only send work texts during certain hours
Work emails can be sent anytime, but business texts should be restricted to one hour before the start of the workday to two hours after it ends, according to The Modern Gentleman.
Personalize your answering machine
If you still own an answering machine, make sure the outgoing message isn’t annoying or twee. Make it short and sweet, giving the person calling all of the information they need. Next, find out the things you should never, ever do over text message.