Concerns are mounting over the increasing prevalence of smartphone use in settings that traditionally require attention and respect, according to Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi of UCSI University. The professor, who specializes in architecture theory at the Tan Sri Omar Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Studies, highlighted what he sees as a growing disregard for basic etiquette in both academic and professional environments.
During lectures, meetings, and public events, Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin observed that many individuals, ranging from students and academics to professionals and even senior figures such as deans, frequently divert their attention to their smartphones. He cites instances where attendees at university lectures, including an important guest lecture, were visibly engaged in reading or texting on their devices rather than focusing on the speaker. This behavior, he said, undermines respectful human communication and diminishes the dignity of the interaction.
The professor emphasized that while society has become adept at leveraging advanced technology, users often fail to exercise judgment regarding when it is appropriate to engage with their devices. He traces this deficiency back to a lack of formal education on such social norms, noting that neither parents nor educators have adequately addressed this aspect of digital etiquette.
As part of his efforts to instill professional standards, Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin delivers a consistent message to his architecture students. Prior to lectures, he requests that attendees refrain from texting unless it is absolutely necessary, and if so, to leave the room quietly before responding. Failure to observe this, he warns, not only disrespects the lecturer but also reflects poorly on one’s professional conduct, potentially jeopardizing future client interactions and employment.
Despite these reminders, he reports that the habit is difficult to curb, with several students often continuing to text shortly after the lecture begins. In such cases, he approaches individuals discreetly to inquire if urgent matters require their attention outside the classroom.
Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin advocates for broader educational initiatives to address this cultural shift, suggesting that formal instruction on appropriate smartphone use should be integrated into school and university curricula. Without intervention, he warns, this behavior risks becoming further entrenched, beginning from domestic settings where children frequently use phones in the presence of family members.
While acknowledging that some users may not intend to be disrespectful, the professor stresses that the impact remains the same—distraction and a breakdown in interpersonal respect. He likens holding a phone in front of one’s face during conversations or presentations to an antagonistic gesture, undermining communication and social interaction.
The professor’s reflections underscore a wider debate about adapting social norms to accommodate digital technologies, balancing the benefits of connectivity with the preservation of respectful engagement in communal settings.