Cell phone and Technology Etiquette

[Iowanian]

I'm not sure if things have changed significantly in the past year or so or if I'm just becoming more aware of it lately. It seems that with more technology at our finger tips it is getting much more difficult to maintain an in person conversation.

I can understand business meetings where others have important issues to stay on top of, but if someone schedules a meeting with me, I feel obligated to give them my attention during that scheduled time and usually expect the same within reason. It's pretty tough to believe someone is being attentive if they're checking facebook or snap chat.

Lately in person conversations are tougher to have, let alone dinner. We've all seen it, 4-6 people at a restaurant table with 4-6 faces glued to phone screens instead of talking.

I read of a new "game" that I think is a great idea, at least for personal/friend meetings.

Cell Phone Roulette.

Smartphone Roulette The rules are simple:

1. When you sit down, place your phones on the table, face down. You may stack them if you'd like to be extra extreme, though this is not required.

2. Nobody is allowed to touch their phone—not even if it rings, vibrates, or chimes.

3. If you check your phone before the meal is over, you pay the entire check. No exceptions. Even if you just lift that phone ever so slightly to see who texted you. Your treat.