Have you checked your phone on a date, during a movie or at a place of worship? If so, you are not alone on what some people deem “unacceptable” phone use. A recent UScellular survey indicated that 60% of people deem a place of worship as a place or situation where phone use is inappropriate. Using your phone while on a date and in a movie theatre were next at 52%, followed by dinner with family and friends (40%) and a special event (36%).

While these numbers seem high, 8% of consumers surveyed said they believe there are no places or situations where they would not use their cellphone.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, phone calls, texts, video chats and overall data usage have spiked as people rely on devices to work, complete school assignments, shop, game and connect,” said Tabatha McKay, UScellular’s area vice president/general manager in New England. “This increase also has given way to a heightened awareness of common annoyances related to mobile technology use among family members who spent months cooped up together at home, as well as with people we encounter when venturing out in public.”

July is National Cellphone Courtesy Month. UScellular offers the following tips to help mobile technology users mind their manners:

• Softer sounds: Sounds can travel from room to room at home and beyond the recommended social distancing parameters in other settings. You should set ringers and vibration patterns on low and be mindful of your own voice volume when you take phone calls or video chat. Consider investing in Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds or other types of headphones when gaming, joining a virtual meeting or streaming content.