Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t think we should be using our phones at the table when we sit down with others. I don’t mind using phones during breakfast time, as this is usually when we’re all getting ready for the day and catching up on news or tasks leftover from the previous day.
However, when we take the time to enjoy a meal with other people, I think our phones should be put away to give the other person our undivided attention. If not, then why are you even spending this time together?
Phones have become something we can’t live or seemingly function without because they are our main sources of information and communication with others. This reliance is why I believe it has become an important exercise to leave our phones alone while at the dinner table.
While it is common courtesy to give another person your undivided attention, having your phone out during a meal…
... is rude
Since it is common courtesy to put your phone away, it is, therefore, one of the rudest things to do while sitting with others at the dinner table. No matter who you’re with and if you’ve run out of topics to talk about, being present and not in your own world is respectful of the others’ presence.
... is distracting for the other person
We may scoff at our teachers when they tell us phone-use in class distracts them, but it’s true. I can’t help but be distracted by the light on your face and your zombified expression, which then interrupts my train of thought. Even if you place the phone screen-up on the table, the other person will notice your eyes wander to glance at a notification. This not only distracts them but makes them wonder if you’ve got somewhere more important to be.
... makes them feel like you’re not listening
Giving someone our undivided attention requires listening to what they are saying, processing the information, and responding with our own input or opinion. However, you can’t accomplish this when you’re on your phone because, let’s be honest, nobody can multitask. Engrossing yourself in your phone separates you from the conversation at hand and your lack of response or reaction reinforces your lack of interest. One of the worst things is talking about something important and realizing the person was paying attention to their phone and have no idea what you said.
... is unnecessary because you’re on your phone all day
I feel it is unnecessary to sift through social media and messaging while sitting across from someone at the dinner table because that’s what you’ve been doing all day in any event. Taking some time to detach yourself from your phone at the dinner table will not only help you pay attention to the conversation and contribute, but it’ll also give you something to look forward to when you get back to your phone.
While having our phones put away is common courtesy and proves we’re paying attention to the other person, by all means, have it accessible in case of an emergency. There have been times I’ve needed to pay attention to my phone to not miss a call or a text, but I still felt uncomfortable having it out as a potential distraction.
