in one of the secondary school debates organized to mark Children’s Day for 2015 in Lagos State, the topic of discussion was The cell phone has done more harm than good.
It was shocking that the team which supported the notion not only carried the day, but was able to convince the audience that students who had been gifted cell phones by their parents experienced a decline in academic performance.
Being a panelist at the event, that startling revelation was a major eye opener to the reality that is being ignored.
One of the greatest inventions of our time unarguably, is the cell phone, which has revolutionized communication and changed our lives forever. With the cell phone, the world is at your fingertips and it’s sometimes difficult to imagine a world without it or even comprehend the fact that the world could ever function without the magical gadget. The adage that distance is no barrier in the spiritual realm finds congruence in the functionality of the cell phone, which has eliminated any form of barrier in communication. Fabrice Grinda, one of the world’s leading Internet entrepreneurs and investor, describes the cell phone as the most important impact on society and the world also as one of the primary drivers in productivity improvements.
Unfortunately, like every good thing, the cell phone has its flip side that has also triggered a reassessment of the allure of the revolutionary tool. The reasons are not far to seek.
On my way back from a daily routine, the strap of my footwear got loose, requiring simple intervention to get it back in place. Fortunately, there came this mobile cobbler passing by, whom I tried to engage by shouting at the top of my voice, hooting the horn of my car, all of which were futile .The young man did not hear, he was not hard of hearing, he simply had his ear piece on with the mobile phone in his pocket, while on duty! Pray, how could somebody who needs to attract the attention of customers cut himself off by plugging his earpiece as early as 8am? The same person will go around bemoaning low patronage, even blaming the economy, the President, demons in the village, everyone but himself!
In another instance, a brilliant young man who had successfully undergone the one-year graduate employment-training scheme in a new generation bank, truncated hopes of an illustrious career. Guess his weapon of self-destruction. The mobile phone, which rang while the CEO, was about to shake his hand as a welcome gesture. Predictably he was excused from the on- boarding procedure.
Precious relationships are destroyed on a daily basis on the altar of the cell phone goddess. A more pathetic case involves a married man who made a desperate dash from the bathroom adorned in his birthday suit, when his mobile phone rang. The wife who was nearby, attempted to pick up the phone at the same time, leading to a collision. In the ensuing bout, the marriage received a technical knockout when it was discovered the call was from a mistress.
Like a bloodthirsty fiend, the tin god has insatiable appetite for fatalities. Apparently, the great philosopher, Plato, did not reckon with the cell phone when he declared, “He who is not a good servant will not be a good master.” The cell phone is an excellent servant but a very bad master.
Ironically, in the process of serving the master, it has executed a role switch by dominating the master.
How many times have you tried to interview a prospective hire whose constantly ringing cell phone with loud and offensive ring tones kept frustrating the process? The market woman, the tailor, the cashier at the supermarket, the young lady in the salon (ended up with the wrong hair parting at Christmas because the stylist was busy on her cell phone when the correction was made).
How can a service provider short-change herself by elevating support equipment to the status of addiction? The sad reality is that people are now being controlled by their mobile phones condemning many to a life of perpetual distraction. This malady has assumed alarming dimension the world over. Not to be taken lightly, US colleges now offer free food and other incentives to students who ignore phones in class. This is because distraction can be dangerous.
Relationships are a larger part of our lives. Everyday manners and work place manners are inseparable. Today, more than ever, knowing the proper way to behave can make all the difference between getting ahead and getting left behind. This is the bedrock of etiquette, the non-technical skills that are most essential to your personal and professional success.
Cell phone etiquette series will be discussed in three segments; in the home, office and public space.
Since charity begins at home, it’s pertinent to note the following tips:
Avoid loud and offensive ring tones in the home. It is advisable to put your phone on vibration or low. This demonstrates civility.
Do not scream while speaking, the cell phone has sensitive microphone that ensures you are heard when you speak in low tones. It is inconsiderate to disturb the peace of your neighbours by shouting at the top of your voice.
Do not use obscene language. Swearing and cursing must be avoided. Be mindful of your choice of words, practice emotional intelligence by being civil even in the face of provocation.
The mobile phone is not on the menu ; please do not bring it to the dining table. If you are expecting a call, inform other members of the family beforehand, when the call comes through, excuse yourself from the table. Your children should see that as an exception and not the norm.
•First published Feb 19, 2017