Etiquette in the Digital Age

We as a society have not as of yet decided collectively how to deal with the incursion of portable digital technologies into our everyday public life. We are only beginning to address the intrusion these devices create in public space.

The problem with portable technologies is that the freedom and opportunity they afford to us in unfettered access, creates a society where being linked in at all times is the norm.  But how does this affect the social fabric of everyday life?  How do we connect in person, if we are always “somewhere else “on our devices?

An odd feeling is communicated indirectly when we are in a public space, but connected elsewhere.  I believe this unconsciously violates psychobiological safety and survival mechanisms and produces a feeling of ill-at-ease when around people using portable technology.  At the very least, to impose your personal conversations into public spaces or not acknowledge the world around you because you are texting, gaming, or posting social media  could be considered inconsiderate to those around you.

Digital etiquette seems a common sense issue to solve.  Some basic suggestions would include:

Do not use digital devices in public spaces where the light and noise from your device or your voice would be disruptive.

• Do not use digital devices in public spaces where the light and noise from your device or your voice would be disruptive.
•  Create tech designation sections in public spaces akin to smoking sections.
• Create tech bans for public spaces most affected by their interruption (i.e., movie theaters, restaurants, etc.).
• Require family dinner or outing times to be a tech free zone.

• Leave your device behind unless you absolutely need to be in communication with someone for planning or caretaking reasons.

As Internet Addiction Disorder becomes more of a reality, it is our responsibility as individuals and a society to review our public usage of these devices and create rules and regulations to support healthy, respectful, and safe usage levels.  Reviewing your own habits is a great place to start.