Top 5 Rules of Device Etiquette

Last week I met up with an old colleague who was in town. We hadn’t seen each other in over 6 years.

Halfway through our long walk, my phone started vibrating. I was getting a call.

I quickly and covertly silenced it in my pocket. Phew… “she didn’t notice" I told myself.

It was a unique moment - not because I rarely get calls on Saturday, but because it reminded me how often I’ve been on the other side this summer.

So many people completely cut me off just to answer their phones. Mid-story, mid-service, mid-confession.

No "sorry, I have to take this." Just complete diversion of attention.

It made me feel like crap then. Still does now as I write this.

But who's to blame?

The Etiquette Gap

Boomers didn’t grow up with tech but they’ve fully embraced it. Notifications rule their world.

Millennials are trying to “find balance.”

Gen Z has never known life without constant pings.

None of us ever got a crash course in device etiquette.

I still remember my 3rd-grade teacher explaining the word etiquette to us. That 30-minute lesson stuck with me forever. We learned elevator, dinner, and conversation code of manners. It was beautiful.

But device etiquette? We have not set any rules.

Maybe it’s time we talk about what respect and courtesy look like in a world ruled by devices. I’ll start…

Top 5 Rules of Device Etiquette

1 - Be Present First

People in front of you deserve your full attention. Make eye contact and practice active listening, while keeping your phone out of sight.

2 - Do Not Disturb

Keep devices on silent in meetings, classes, theaters, and meals to avoid disrupting others.

3 - Create Tech-Free Zones

Set boundaries in certain locations i.e the living room and during meals, conversations, or family time where devices are put away completely.

4 - Excuse Yourself If Needed

If you must check your device, politely step away rather than dividing your attention.

5 - Ditch the Headphones

Remove headphones when engaging with people like the cashier. It shows respect and that you value their presence.

Result: People feel valued, heard, and respected.

I don’t think these rules are radical 😄 just basic courtesy.

Questions Worth Asking

1. What message does my device behavior send?

2. How would I feel if someone treated me the same way?

3. What happens if I put my phone away for an hour?

4. Am I choosing digital convenience over human connection?

Final Thoughts

Maybe I’m old school. Maybe this is the new normal.

But I’ve seen how people’s faces light up when they get full attention.

That’s the world I want to live in.

What about you? Hit reply and let me know. I read all emails.

See you next week,
George

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