Being Ignored by a Smartphone User? You’re Not Alone

Here’s the scenario: You’re at lunch with your best friend.

You: “I can’t believe it. I just found out Mark is having an affair. What am I going to do?” Sniffle.

Your best friend: Giggles and finally looks up from her iPhone. “I’m sorry, what did you say? I was just watching the most hilarious cat video on Facebook. Do you want to see it?”

Sound familiar? Sadly, you’re not alone.

While it may seem that smartphone rudeness has become a commonly accepted cultural norm, chances are, it’s had a negative impact on a relationship in your life, whether you’re the one committing an “electronic display of insensitivity” or EDI, or you’re on the receiving end.

Joseph Grenny’s recently released “Digital Divisiveness” study found that 9 out of 10 people have experienced damage to personal relationships as a result of insensitive or inappropriate use of technology. And 1 in 4 people said EDIs have caused a significant rift with friends or loved ones.

Sadly, the problem seems to be getting worse, not better. And no place is safe from inconsiderate electronic use. The study found EDIs are occurring at the dinner table, during customer service interactions and even at church.

If you’re like me, and you choose to ignore the issue as it’s occurring, we’re a part of the problem. According to The Blaze:

Solutions? Well, Grenny noted that ignoring EDIs isn’t one of them. “These are areas where we overwhelmingly agree we shouldn’t be using technology. There is a social norm, there is consensus, yet we don’t adhere to it,” Grenny told the Daily Beast. “Silence is permission.”

If you’re looking for ways to nip bad smartphone etiquette in the bud, either for yourself or maybe for a friend who could use the advice, check out our story here for six easy solutions.

Do the results of Grenny’s study surprise you? Tell us about your experiences with EDIs below or on our Facebook page.