How to behave when you are a guest or, conversely, have dinner at home and take your tablet with you or leave your smartphone connected on Facebook, Twitter or Skype? Here is the new etiquette for technology. The Wall Street Journal and etiquette “apps” did it for you.
The first rule of "etiquette" provides for vigilance so that tables and small tables are not entirely occupied by mobile phones placed illegally by guests. In the latter case, put a basket specifically for mobile phones, so that guests can put them in there and enjoy the party more (second rule).
The third rule goes like this: Don't take pictures of people in inappropriate poses and then post them on Facebook;
Fourth rule: No Skype at the table;
Fifth rule: If you are the landlord, discourage loud phone calls;
Sixth rule: Create a party “hashtag” to keep track of tweets about the event;
Seventh rule: Suggest leaving mobile phones on a table, to allow guests to enjoy a conversation during the aperitif and dessert;
Eighth and final rule: Ask before creating a public list on Forsquare (a new social network) about a private party.
But are these rules really necessary? According to the major Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera, no. CorSera also lists some cases in which cell phone use is excessively discouraged: an Australian couple, on their wedding day, asked their guests to leave their cell phones at home saying: "Be nice, we want to enjoy this day" . Or some "apps" for Iphone and Ipad that "teach" you contemporary bonton, that is in line with today's times.
They exaggerate, they tell the via Solferino newspaper, which rightly points out: common sense is enough.
