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it is interesting to look at how phones are used by different age groups in different countries. The US is waaay behind things compared to Asia. BUT, we also have a very different culture, and the phones get used in different ways. This is another classic case of the technology advancing before the social side of things. Its sorting out, but when things take the next leap (mesh networks and/or portable media controllers), then we'll be in the same boat again.
As for cell etiquette, mine is always on vibrate. During meetings I will look to see if it is important (like my son's school) and only if it is from a mission critical person will I quietly leave the room to answer the call. In "the wild" I will tend to answer a few more calls, but I don't have "buddies" who call...it tends to be either real work or band work.
As for talking in line at the store, assuming that someone is talking in a normal tone of voice, how is that different from them talking to someone standing next to them? Once you get past the shock of someone talking "to themselves" (until you see the phone), I don't see much different. This is a new century and new rules are evolving. I do think that the user has the obligation to keep things fairly quiet though.
In a resturant I would say it is less acceptable, but it depends on the place. "Classy" places generally have cell phone bans, but I keep mine on and set to vibrate...if it rings I'll check the number, and if I need to answer it, quiety head out of the resturant.
Since public places are not "quiet zones" (other than perhaps libraries), I don't see how someone talking on a phone is that much different from them having a conversation with someone standing next to them. The new technologies are changing our concepts of "place", and phenomenon like people being at a concert and holding up their cell phone so their buddy can hear the show, mobbing (mobile blogging, sending photos from where you are to give others a sense of involvement), are all modifying day-to-day life.
Just like when the trains were built....and the car came into its own...and airplanes....and when telephone was invented...society changes in response to technological advances.
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