We all live in a society where people have adapted to Social Media.  We all can’t go more than 30 minutes without checking various sites like Facebook and Twitter.  Often times we are sitting in a chair staring at a screen attached to our desktop or laptop but often find ourselves staring at our 3-4” smartphone screen.  While this is a great way to stay connect with friends, family and coworkers, there are appropriate times where we shouldn’t be using the device.

While growing up in the generation of cell phones and watching Smartphones come to market, it’s easy to forget how rude it is to be glued to your phone.  Honestly, they should have never made a phone that connected to the internet.  Think about it, if they never made a smartphone, where would we be today?  I know that’s a broad question but sometimes I feel as if Smartphones destroy us as an individual.

Now that Smartphones are on the market and are more prominent, I tend to see people constantly glued to their device.  While sending texts and checking email is very common, I have noticed more and more people on Facebook and Twitter then in their SMS/MMS and email inbox.  Could social media be breaking our society and changing people or is it really helping?

Now yes, if you use Social Media in its proper form, then no harm can be done.  Using Social Media in its proper form will give us more knowledge and may actually help us succeed in life.  Using Social Media too much could possibly break us as a whole and you may actually lose basic people skills.

I plan to outline some situations where it probably isn’t in your best interest to be on Social Media.  Believe it or not, there are times where taking out your phone to check certain things are rude.

School

It’s typical to see teenagers on Facebook and Twitter while they are in class but shouldn’t you be focusing on your school work instead of connecting with friends?  I couldn’t tell you the amount of times that I have seen Tweets like, “in 3^rd period” or “why is math so boring today?”

Kids, you’re at school to receive education to make a living in a good life.  Don’t ruin it by being addicted to Social Media.  Trust me, the outcome could be life changing and you can’t go back in time to fix things.

Some schools have a strict policy about the use of cell phones in general.  I grew up in a schooling system that if you had your cell phone out and the teacher saw it, you had to automatically give up the phone to the teacher and serve detention to get your phone back.  If you decided to be hot head about it and not give up the phone, you would get suspended and wouldn’t get your phone back until a parent or guardian came into the office to pick it up.  Some schools may or may not be as strict but why risk it?  Just don’t use your phone in a learning environment.

Movie Theater

Even though movie theaters are starting to put a crack down on cell phone use, I’m still amazed at how many people glair into their phone during a Movie.  There is no movie on the face of this earth where you have to let your friends know what is going on every second?  The great thing about the internet is you can tell them a full review of the movie once it is finished.  If you feel that shining that bright screen and getting others around you angry is going to benefit you, think again.  Be on high alert because you never know who is going to come and snatch that phone from you or give you a thump for pissing them off.

Many movie theaters have been putting a smack down on their cell phone policy.  You will find that many theaters have a policy in place where you get one warning, and then you’re ejected without a refund.  Movies aren’t cheap anymore so why risk wasting the $10+ you just spent to watch a movie.  Do us all a favor and wait to tell your friends how amazing the movie is until it’s complete.

While Driving

You would think this would be common sense if texting and driving is banned in most areas of the US but people won’t listen.  They don’t make this rule for no reason.  Texting and driving is the same as Tweeting and driving.  You are still typing on a handheld device and a cop will think you are texting anyway.  Not to mention, this is highly dangerous to you and the surrounding others.  Why would you want to put your life and other people’s lives in danger?

Honestly, we don’t need to know that there is traffic or that you’re sitting at a red light watching a homeless man walk by.  There is nothing more important than the road while you’re driving.  Sure, you might be willing to take the risk for yourself, but imagine what could happen if you crash into a vehicle with a child on board.  I’m a father and I take extra precaution on the road.  I would never do anything to put the lives of other people at risk.  That just isn’t a brilliant idea.

Smartphones are called Smartphones for a reason.  In fact, many phones these days have the technology to interact with your car so you never have to look at them.  You can do things like play music, take phone calls, make phone calls, and much more all through the car’s speakers or another external device.  Keep it safe and use a hands free device if you NEED to send something out.

During an Interview

Common sense tells us this should be a no-no from the start and shouldn’t have to be said, but it happens.  If you’re going in for an interview, never have that phone in hand.  In fact, just leave it in the car or at home.  If you want a job, having the phone in hand is the worst thing you can do.  It demonstrates that you’re easily distracted.  During your waiting period, it still shows a lot.  Spend that time reviewing your notes, going over your interview, or just be patient.

Actually being on your phone during the interview is even worst.  We don’t need to know this guy has a chipped tooth or has a shaved head.  You need this job to make a living, why are you ruining the opportunity by letting your followers know what he looks like or why he smells.  Seriously, we just don’t care.

On a Date

When I was in the days of taking a lovely lady out on a date, I HATED when they would spend 75% of the time on their phone.  I’m taking you out on a date to get to know you and spend time with you.  Spending it on your phone wouldn’t be the best impression.  A lot of dates now-a-days are set up through Social Media but don’t use Social Media once you’re on the date.  People don’t need to know how cute the other person is right away.  You can wait until after the date to let us know how it went.  It’s common courtesy.

The list of times when not to Tweet or use Social Media could go on and on.  For what it’s worth, please take my advice then next time you do anything that I have mentioned.  Before you ever take your phone out to make a Social Media post, think to yourself; is this a rude time to use my phone?  If the answer is yes, keep it in your pocket and find something new to do.  Being in the world of technology as my job, it’s difficult not to use my phone.  I can be held accountable for doing most of these violations and I’m sure you’re just as accountable.  Let’s try and be a changing aspect and set the right example.

What would you add to this list?  Do you do any of these things without even noticing?