Tech etiquette 101

Cellphone and PDA protocol
At home
"Is it OK to check messages, or make or take a call if I'm in someone's company?"
The experts say: "Don't stroke your phone more than your date," says Michael Hoechsmann, an associate professor of media and technology in education at McGill University in Montreal. He explains that being on your cellphone or clicking away on your BlackBerry tells whomever you're with that he or she is less important and less interesting than whomever you're communicating with electronically. Turn your device off.

"Is it OK to answer my phone or send a text message when I'm in a public restroom?"
The experts say: It's tacky. Be aware of privacy concerns – for you, the person you are calling and others around you. Let your voice mail handle incoming messages when you're in inappropriate locations (for example, a washroom or a doctor's waiting room). "The visual image of someone with his pants around his ankles while he speaks with you on his cellphone about your upcoming date is not a pleasant picture," says Fox.

"What should I do if I'm on my phone in public and the call starts to get heated or personal?"
The experts say: Go somewhere more secluded, and keep your voice down. Strangers don't need to hear about your new rash or how much you hate your ex. Hoechsmann cautions against what he calls the "public autobiography," in which you broadcast your business to the masses via your cellphone conversations. He and Fox also agree that being considerate of those around you is vital – speak quietly, or move to a private area.

At work
"I'm expecting important news from a colleague. Is it OK to leave my device on?"
The experts say: It's usually fine, given that it's a professional environment, and phone calls and text messages are part of doing business. The key is being considerate of your colleagues. "Loud conversations heard over the cubicle walls can be disruptive," says Altilia. As for personal calls, Fox feels they should be kept to a minimum at the office, and adds, "Take and make calls in private, where it does not interfere with others or interrupt their work."

"What should I do if my personal device rings while I'm in a meeting?"
The experts say: If you haven't turned it off (which is preferred), excuse yourself before answering. "Nothing screams ‘I don't care!' more than furious texting while someone is trying to speak in a meeting," Altilia says. "If you can't put your device down, let the meeting host know that you need to stay connected."

"Is it OK if I have my favourite song as my ringtone?"
The experts say: Obnoxious ringtones can be, well, obnoxious. "Your indie-music ringtone might be cool the first time your cellphone rings," says Altilia, "but maybe not the 10th time." Select tones or music carefully, and put your device on vibrate to avoid disrupting your coworkers if you are expecting a call at the office.

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