New technologies no excuse for disrespectful behavior

It is common to see students pull out their phones to check texts, calls and e-mails at campus events. Texting gives us access to one another all day, 7 days a week, so it is not surprising that texting has become the predominate form of communication on campus. However, what is surprising is that in this techno-centric age, it is now becoming the norm to constantly check your phone, even in meetings or in class. To be out of contact, even for an instant, is unthinkable in this culture of instant gratification through the media of email and text. This sense of urgency around being able to reach someone at any moment in any situation has led to texting even in inappropriate circumstances. The practice of paying more attention to a cell phone than the situation you are in is quickly becoming a problem and even in our busy lifestyles, should be viewed as a sign of disrespect.

Students texting in class, at meetings or even during conversations with their friends shows their lack of attention. It is impossible to devote your full attention to someone while fiddling with your cell phone. We are all guilty of it, but texting while having a conversation or while in a meeting shows that you are distracted and not fully engrossed in what you are doing. How can someone believe you are truly listening to him or her if you can't wait for even a few minutes to text or call someone else? "Textiquette" is something we all need to improve.

Wellesley students lead busy lives. We have more on our plates than we can possibly handle, and that leads to the necessity of multitasking. Yet this should not lead to the negligence of our attention and manners. You would not stop in the middle of a meeting or conversation to start talking to someone else and texting is essentially the same.

As students, we need to learn to prioritize. As little time as there is in a day, there is still enough to devote full attention to classes, lectures, meetings and friends and still have time to text and check emails. Texting and emailing are powerful tools for students to keep in touch with one another, but we need to understand the proper time and place to use them. We need to learn when to step back and leave technology alone, otherwise we may lose the respect of both our professors and our peers.