South Africans are most likely to have their noses put out of joint by social media faux pas, according to a recent survey on mobile etiquette conducted by Intel in the EMEA region.
More than half (53%) of South African respondents said they find poor social media etiquette, such as ignoring friend requests, posting a status update to someone else's profile and taking too long to reply to posts, to be offensive.
The survey, published at the end of last month, was conducted online and addressed 12 761 consumers from 16 countries in the EMEA region, including SA.
Close to two out of every three respondents (61%) believe there should be certain behavioural rules governing the use of mobile devices in public. Activities that were “frowned upon” ranged from talking too loudly on a phone, or ignoring people while using a mobile device.
Head of marketing at Intel SA Ntombezinhle Modiselle says the results of the survey indicate that smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices are reshaping people's behavioural norms.
“People's tolerance levels are rising and the use of mobile technology is now so pervasive that it has created the need for a new code of conduct,” says Modiselle.
“We all see the appeal of being constantly connected to a lively, virtual community, and of always being up-to-date and up-to-speed.”
Addicted to mobile
Other interesting results included the fact that South Africans are the most likely to bring their mobile devices into the bedroom without raising an eyebrow.
Texting while driving a car is, however, a major no-no for South Africans, with 82% identifying it as one of their pet-peeves.
Seventy-one percent of South Africans surveyed said they have been frustrated or stressed by someone displaying poor mobile etiquette, yet - at the same time - 24% of South Africans admit to talking loudly on their phones in public.
Modiselle points out that the survey also suggests that people's emotional connection to their mobile devices is bordering on addiction.
More than half of the total respondents would be willing to sacrifice chocolate or sweets for a week, rather than be without their treasured devices. Five percent of South Africans would even give up their partner for a week instead of being separated from their beloved mobile phone.
Shaping etiquette
“The research suggests that most of us check our e-mails or post our first tweet before we even set foot out of the door in the mornings,” says Modiselle.
“Two-thirds (67%) of respondents check their mobile before going to work in the morning. Almost a quarter (23%) do that before they even get out of bed. It's the new norm.”
There are limits, however, and the dinner table in particular remains a sacrosanct area of etiquette. One-third of respondents also said they would like to see the use of mobile devices banned in public places.
“It is a difficult phenomenon to regulate, as people's feelings and emotions are involved,” says Modiselle, explaining that we are still in the early stages of shaping mobile manners.
“Etiquette and social norms are typically built up over many years - across generations.
“The mobile etiquette survey really shows that mobile devices are here to stay as part of our daily lives. We just need to remember to mind our mobile manners,” concludes Modiselle.
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