Mobiles 'Harmful' To Our Social Lives - Study

Most people believe using mobile phones in group social settings affects a conversation… but still do it anyway, according to a new study.

The Pew Research Centre says the vast majority of Americans see mobiles as "distracting and annoying" in such environments – even though most of them also use their devices in the company of others.
More than 3,000 people were asked when they felt it was acceptable to use a cell phone, and 77% said they thought it was OK to do so while walking down a street, despite the never-ending danger of bumping into someone else who is also on a mobile.

Three-quarters of those questioned also believe it's OK to use a mobile on public transport, even though similar numbers have encountered "loud or annoying cell phone behaviour" in public.
The study reveals conflicting ideas about the etiquette and social norms for mobile phone use – but there are some circumstances where most Americans are agreed that whipping out a device is unacceptable.
Only 5% of respondents believe it's OK to use a phone during a meeting, while at a church, or in other quiet places such as cinemas.
Yet although smartphone use in group social settings may seem rude and inconsiderate from an outsider's perspective, it isn't always what it seems.
The vast majority of people who use their phone in front of friends and family are doing something linked to the gathering in question – such as taking a photograph, or getting information which could be interesting to other people in the group.
Only 30% pursue an activity on their phones which disengage them from the group – and this is mainly because they are no longer interested in what the group is doing, or because they want to avoid participating in what's being discussed.