Mobile manners: Toilet ok
By Techgirl

While mobiles have improved our lives in a million ways, sometimes they control us rather than us using it as a tool to improve the quality of our lives. Last Sunday, while all of us were in a reverend mood at a Lord Ganesha Temple in Mumbai, someone’s mobile went off and he initiated a conversation about a real estate deal. Needless to say, only the Prasad could wipe away the bad taste in everyone’s mouth.

What is mobile phone etiquette?  Probably common sense should guide us on what is right and what is wrong.  But a survey in America partly sponsored by Intel left me scratching my head.  Apparently, most are in agreement that it is bad manners to use a mobile device at a holiday party but it is perfectly acceptable to use an internet enabled device (laptops and phone) in a toilet

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Mobile etiquette breeches have particular relevance during the upcoming holiday season, as the survey found that more than half (52 percent) would be offended if they were at a holiday party and someone attempted to secretly use an Internet-enabled device, such as a laptop, netbook or cell phone, at the table. The toilet, however, doesn't seem to command the same reverence when it comes to mobile technology. Despite hygiene considerations and potentially awkward explanations, 75 percent feel it is perfectly appropriate to use Internet-enabled devices, including laptops, netbooks and cell phones, in the bathroom, with only 25 percent agreeing that it was inappropriate behavior.
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As many as 60 percent of Americans felt using a mobile device on a date is inappropriate. This statistic is not surprising. 

Techgoss note:  Techgirl is a senior Tech journalist who reports on the IT, KPO and KPO Sectors for a leading media house.  In her spare time, she dabbles in satire in her blog
http://techgirltalk.blogspot.com