Browsing and clicking through your mobile phone at your dinner table (or at breakfast or lunch or snack or anything that in any way reminds you of something that has to do with eating or drinking, if we're nitpicking) might seem fairly harmless to you. The latest research, though, shows that's completely unacceptable. You're not even supposed to have your phone on the table! 

Using your mobile phone while riding a bus or standing in line doesn't pose a problem, but stop and think when you and your phone get close to food. A recent survey at the Pew Research Center showed that 88 percent of respondents believe, a mobile phone is not part of their table setting. Is it part of yours?

The survey on Americans' Views on Mobile Etiquette included 3,217 adults. According to results, Americans view cell phones as "distracting and annoying when used in social settings — but at the same time, many use their own devices during group encounters." A majority of cell owners indicated "they used their phone to send or read a message, take photos or videos, or receive an incoming call during a recent social gathering." 30 percent of them admitted to retreat into their own world, while surfing the net with their phone, playing games or using other mobile apps, despite the fact there is company at the table.

The good old days of socializing with your best mates and just hanging out with them by the lake seem to be almost over - not only because, but also because of new, smarter technologies (smartphones) and social media. You're having lunch and most of your buddies have their phones out - if you find it annoying, make sure at least you are the one setting a good example by leaving yours away from the table. It's good manners. But... A lunch without a mobile phone?! Totally unacceptable! My gosh, are you serious, who's going to take a photo of my tomato soup?!

Sept. 5, 2015 Living photo: Profimedia

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