Generations Divided On Mobile Etiquette

Ever since the first iPhone arrived in 2007, smartphones have gradually grown to become a constant presence in most of our lives. We use them to send messages, take photos, follow the news and sometimes even to make phone calls. Sometimes though, we use them in situations where it’s rude or downright dangerous.

Unfortunately there appear to be different views on when it is generally acceptable to use a phone and when it is not. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, young adults generally seem more forgiving of cell phone usage in public places than those who didn’t grow up with a lot of technology. While 90 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds think it’s ok to use a phone on public transportation, just 54 percent of Americans aged 65 and older would agree with that.

Thankfully, there is a broad consensus that some places are off-limits for smartphone lovers: using a phone at family dinners, meetings and movie theaters is considered rude by roughly 9 in 10 American adults, regardless of age.