The fact that there are 'rules' 'published' on web sites on how to Not use and how To use a cell phone is a double bind . The rules are presented on a computer. If people need to and can go to a computer to learn how to not use cell phones, its futile. There is no common sense, human communication skills and arts, and socialization on computer or cell phone communication. If there is, what we were born to be able to do is being denied. . . but by who. . .?

I attended Queens College from 1990-1995, and have a B.A. in Communication Arts. The other degree was a B.S. in Communication Sciences. From persuasion & argumentation (on the edge of pre-law) to studying US Supreme Court Reports, to speech pathology; interpersonal communications; and body language. Body language has form and content, unintentional and/or intentional. There was no media such as Computers, TV, Films in the Communication program.
I do not like cell phones; they are raping the human race of art, skill, talent, and its full relationship between mind and body. Mind and Body are not two seperate parts, They are in relation; they make us whole. Comminication via digital devices (cell phone to computers and beyond) is depleting the human condition of one of its most beautiful capacity: Individualism.

The thing I think that is most excruciating is being in a confined public space with limited maneuverability (ie. moving bus, train, standing in line for something) and having to listen to something loud or inappropriate- what is the etiquette here? There was a story some time ago about a man who 'shushed' a neighboring person at a NYC movie theater and wound up stabbed with a sharp instrument. This is terrifying.

I just got back from a week in Arizona. On entering a restaurant in Tuscon, my host pointed out a sign displayed above the door- "Firearms Not Allowed". This New Yorker had no idea that some people walk around in Arizona with guns strapped to their waists, but there you go.

I suggest there be a similar standard beestablished here in NYC. Businesses may post signs above their door saying "Loud, Obnoxious, and Irresponsible behavior with mobile devices Not Allowed".

Mark, I agree with bitluv too--the segment was for the un-young. Does every segment have to be for the young? I'd hate to think I'm aging out of listening to the radio (as if the radio was cutting edge).

Tunnel-vision and private conversations spoken loudly in public have always been part of life in this city, even before electronic handheld devices. I agree with bitluv.

Hey, bitluv from NYC, I guess you're the one who's going to stay young forever. Good luck with that.

My son told me the real reason we speak so loudly on a cell phone, is that there is no feedback sound. On a land phone we hear our voice through the part of the phone against our ear; there is nothing comparable on a cell phone

The most absurd situation I've encountered has been being rear bumped at a stop sign. The woman whose car hit mine got out and actually said, "I'm so sorry. I was on the phone." I was so flabbergasted at the admission and the stupidity, that I didn't even take her license number or report her to the police. There was no damage, but I will admit that yelled at her, "Pay attention to what you're doing!" Beyond common sense!

I'm kind of surprised there weren't more comments about this. Makes me fear that it really is becoming socially acceptable behavior. Ugh.

it's the old folks hour

I wonder how many people fake being busy on their phone just as a way of appearing busy or avoiding contact (or potentially uncomfortable encounters).

It makes me crazy when a shop clerk, counter person, salesman is using a cell phone or texting while ignoring a customer. It should be about the customer and not about their personal world!

Digital culture hasn't so much instilled rudeness in our culture as obliviousness. Many of us (me included) are often saddled with digital blinders that numb us from the effects of our behavior on others.

I can't people who sit on workout equipment between reps and text or talk on their phones. This holds people up, drives me nuts!

what about hearing other peoples music on the subway

Approximately 56 minutes ago BBC Newshour radio broadcasted a most disturbing privacy report about Apple iPhones and iPads containing internal software that tracks the device’s movement, location, and time. This internal software is unknown to the consumer-user and the use, intention, and handling of this information has not been explained or addressed by Apple.

Is it not true that this concealed encrypted information on iPhones and iPads, as well as cookies, another form of concealed computer data encryption, is a violation of the consumers Right To Privacy ?

I agree with Priya.

2 kinds of parents, those who do have a problem texting/surfing while (instead of) "spending time" with their kids, and those who don't. obviously. better to leave your children with a stranger than abuse them with your smartphone corpulence.

I have noticed that it has become acceptable for people to check their messages on their smart phones when they sit down at a get together with friends. I don't think it's necessarily right, but I do think that we should coin a term for it.