Observations of a College Student, Part I

The Physics of Technological Etiquette

Something in high school physics taught me about waves. In recent months I have experienced continual longitudinal waves during my study time at college.

11:10am, Friday, Business Computer Lab: While working diligently on my Financial Accounting assignment, my arms are suddenly jolted by the impulse of a student's phone vibrating ten feet away, These so-called "longitudinal waves" are making their way from his table, through the table between us, and onto mine, where they reach my arms, which send a mad signal to my brain that I should be panicking. I panic, and, seeing his phone, subsequently realize there is nothing to be alarmed about. My focus returns to my work.
11:12am: Repetition. This time, it takes longer to refocus.
11:13am: It seems another phone has joined the chorus on the other side of the wall, this time a bit more faint. Perhaps they should create some sort of musical instrument out of the vibrations of a cellphone.
11:15am: Two more students sat down between me and the first vibrating cellphone. Two more phones have been laid on the table to join the band.
11:19am: Yep, it's definitely an orchestra now. I have fully given up on concentration and am headed to my next class.
11:24am, C125 PBB: In Financial Accounting class, I sit down and get ready for the class.
11:28am: A cellphone on an adjacent table 15 feet away vibrates and, once again, jolts me to a full alert. After calming, I slowly shake my head in dismay.

I always jump when I feel these types of vibrations. They are what wake me up in the morning on my alarm clock, and they are what alert me of communications throughout the day. Vibrations demand my attention. If my attention does not need to be brought to others' text messages, let's lay out some of my self-proclaimed vibe etiquette.

1. Turn your phone on silent if it is going to be sitting right in front of you on the table. Most phones will light up with the arrival of a message.
2. If it is a necessity to have it on vibrate, try putting it in your pocket where only you will be alerted by the vibes.
3. If nothing else, consider forming a band of vibrating phones so it can be enjoyable for the rest of us.

:) Happy Friday!