There is something I need to get off my chest. My generation has a cell phone obsession. Too often, I witness young people so entranced by their phones that they actively miss out on many of life's simple pleasures. Now, this is not to say I am against cell phones entirely. I own an iPhone and have a few social media accounts myself. I see my generation having more of a problem with knowing when to use their phone, not so much how much they use it. So, without further ado, I give you the top ten times to not use your cell phone, presented by Dave Grohl.
1. Any Entertainment Event
Whether it be a concert, play, sporting event or anything else entertainment related, chances are you paid for entrance. So why on God's green earth would you want to spend the entire event on Snapchat? It's understandable if you wish to snap a few pictures to remember your awesome experience by, as long as this is allowed by the event you are attending, but do yourself a favor and put your phone away. The memories you make from screaming your favorite lyrics or cheering on the home team will be far better than your 24 hour story nearly everyone will swipe away anyways. Trust me.
2. While Ordering Food or Checking Out
As a one time server, I cannot stress how annoying this is. When your waitress, waiter or your check-out clerk at Target is trying to do their job, make everyone's life easier and put your phone away for just a couple minutes. Not only does this speed up the process for everyone, it's nice when your server knows they have your full attention while trying to get your order correct.
3. During a Meeting or Interview
This should really go without saying, but you should never use your cell phone during a meeting or interview. Unless you are specifically prompted to take out your phone, leave it out of sight! (Out of sight does not mean screen-down on the table.) This is not only disrespectful, but it's outright unprofessional. This lowers your chances of landing the job/promotion/etc. dramatically, if not completely. There are very few things that can't wait the length of an interview or meeting before you must give them attention. Unless Dave Grohl himself is calling, leave your phone alone.
4. In Class
"I think that if you're passionate about something..." you should put your phone away. I may or may not have paraphrased that Dave Grohl quote. Regardless, this one is for students of all ages, but especially for those in higher education. If you're a college student paying large fees for your classes, why would you distract yourself with Twitter? You are sitting in this class because you are passionate about your future degree, correct? Correct! So soak up the knowledge!
5. Out with Friends
Some may disagree with me on this one, but when you're out with friends it wouldn't hurt to put your phone away. I'm not recommending you never look at your phone while spending time with your buds, but I also don't recommend being so absorbed with your phone that you fail to pay attention to your friends. You are friends with these people for a reason, so give them the attention they deserve and interact with them. It doesn't matter if you're enjoying dinner, going on a walk, exploring a new shop or just talking--just spend time with them without the constant interruptions. You wouldn't want your friend to feel like the online world is more interesting than them, would you?
6. On a Date
If you find yourself on a date with someone, you obviously have some sort of interest in them. Give this beautiful, interesting person your complete attention. This is your time to get to know them, after all. You can't possibly decide if a second date is worth your while if you're on your phone the entire time.
7. In Church
This is similar to three and four. If you show up to your place of worship, you probably came for a reason. It's somewhat of an oxymoron to show devotion to your phone while you ignore your leader in the gospel. No matter your religion, it just doesn't make sense to spend your worship time on your cell phone.
8. Walking in Public
This one is for your own safety. While walking around in public, it's best to have your wits about you. Anyone could be watching or following you, and spoiler alert: it's not a handsome rockstar. Yes, you tend to run into people when you're glued to your phone in public, but more importantly, it takes your general awareness away. You notice when someone or something is strange when you don't have your eyes on your phone.
9. When You're With Children
You might not think you are, but you could be potentially bruising a kid's self confidence if you're on your phone every time they try to show you something. If little Johnny is super proud of his finger painting only to have it brushed off by an obsessed cell phone user, he might not think his efforts meant anything. Kids are more fragile than they seem at times. All it takes is putting your phone down for awhile to give them the encouragement they deserve.
10. While Driving
This one tops all of the times to not use your cell phone. Not only are you putting yourself in danger, you are putting others in danger as well. No one, not even Dave Grohl, can give their full attention to the rapid changes of traffic when they are also consumed by their cell phone. Don't do it. Don't put yourself and others at risk for serious injury or death. That text can wait. And if it can't? Pull over at the nearest gas station or safe area. Of all the times to preoccupy yourself with your phone, driving should never be one!
These are only some of the times that it is either annoying, disrespectful, or just down-right dangerous to be on your phone. Like I said in the beginning of this article: it's not how much you use your phone, it's when you use your phone. You only get one life to live, don't spend it plastered to a phone screen.
