An Australian television personality has ignited a widespread debate about modern phone etiquette after sharing a personal grievance that struck a chord with thousands online. Comedian Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehmann, renowned for his roles on The Project and Utopia, posted a video to Instagram expressing his frustration over an incident at a local cafe.
The Annoying Cafe Encounter
Lehmo described waiting with seven or eight people for takeaway coffees when he noticed a young man in his mid-20s having a conversation on speakerphone. "I'd describe his general demeanour and look as 'pretty happy with himself'," Lehmo remarked wryly. The comedian emphasized that everyone could hear the entire discussion about weekend plans, as the man held his phone aloft rather than to his ear.
"Is that okay these days? Because that annoyed the s*** outta me," Lehmo questioned in his video. "Of course I didn't say anything. But it was annoying. Am I right to be annoyed?"
Viral Response and Public Agreement
The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 280,000 views and generating overwhelming agreement from viewers. Most responses condemned the behavior as "mega rude" and inconsiderate. "I'm not interested in YOUR CONVERSATION!!!!" read one exasperated comment, while another added, "It annoys the s*** out of me too. It happens on the train a lot. Such bad manners!!!"
A Growing Public Nuisance
Many respondents noted this poor etiquette has become increasingly commonplace. "It's everywhere! It does my head in," one person lamented. Another observed, "People have forgotten the phone goes to the ear, especially in public." The widespread recognition of this trend prompted some to suggest unconventional solutions.
Several commenters advocated for joining in on such public conversations. "You should get involved in the chat, he's inviting everyone by talking on speakerphone in public," one suggested. Another joked, "Reckon we need to normalise joining in with conversations being held publicly on speakerphones."
Practical Interventions Shared
Some individuals shared personal experiences of confronting the issue directly. One person recounted on a train: "The chap was talking to his wife about what he was getting for dinner. When I suggested a good steak, he said, 'That was a private conversation,' to which I replied, 'Then why wasn't it?'"
Another effective strategy involved matching volume levels: "I started narrating my book aloud, to match his volume. He got the hint."
Broader Etiquette Concerns
The discussion expanded to include other intrusive phone behaviors in public spaces. Many expressed frustration with people playing music, videos, or social media reels without headphones. "Don't be cheap, buy some headphones!" became a common refrain.
Some contrasted this with cultural practices elsewhere, with one well-traveled respondent noting: "I loved visiting Japan because the Japanese people would never speak loudly on their phones in public – they are respectful of other people."
The Minority Defense
A small number of commenters attempted to justify public speakerphone use. "It is annoying, but probably no different than if they were both there talking about their weekend," one argued. Another questioned, "Isn't it the same as talking to a friend in person though?"
Expert Etiquette Perspective
Australian etiquette expert Jo Hayes provided professional insight on the matter, firmly stating that using speakerphone in public demonstrates "a general lack of courtesy and consideration for those around you." She advised, "Always use earbuds or earphones in public. Your phone audio is for your ears, and your ears only."
Debunking Common Justifications
Hayes specifically addressed the argument equating speakerphone conversations with in-person chats. "Digital noise is very different from natural noise," she explained. "Overhearing a speakerphone conversation is very different to having two people chatting nearby. It's major noise pollution and demonstrates a supreme lack of self-awareness and social awareness."
Clear Guidelines for Public Spaces
The etiquette expert outlined definitive rules for phone use in shared environments: "Any time you are in a public space, anywhere near other people - and certainly within earshot – you should not play any phone audio on loudspeaker. This refers to all audio emitted from the phone, whether it's a conversation, music, video or social media posts."
She emphasized these guidelines apply universally to "cafes, restaurants, public transport, airport lounges and waiting in queues. Essentially, everywhere in public when other people are around."
The viral video and subsequent discussion highlight growing concerns about public decorum in the digital age, with Lehmo's simple question about cafe behavior evolving into a broader examination of how technology intersects with social consideration in shared spaces.
