In an age of smartphones, social media and instant communication, it has never been easier to connect – or to offend. Many modern etiquette breaches stem from convenience rather than malice, but good manners still hinge on consideration for others. From checking smartwatches in company to sending voice notes without context, here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
When posting a birthday greeting for a friend on social media, avoid making it about yourself. Do not use a photo where you look better than the birthday person; instead, post a picture of them alone. Also, ensure you extend online birthday wishes to all friends, not just a select few.
Voice notes can be useful, but always follow up with a brief text explaining the subject, such as 'regarding dinner next week; not urgent'. Never send a voice note to someone you do not know well. Similarly, avoid checking your smartwatch when with others, as it signals boredom or that your messages are more important. Put your watch into do not disturb mode before meetings.
When emailing, respect recipients' time by scheduling sends during their business hours, especially if you are an early riser. For colleagues in different time zones, send at a normal time for them. If visiting someone's home, always ask permission before taking photos or videos, and again before sharing them on social media. This also applies to tradespeople, who should not post clients' private spaces online without consent.
Using speakerphone, watching videos or listening to music without headphones in public – dubbed 'barebeating' – is a selfish act that forces others to endure your content. Avoid it. On social media, couples should not tag each other and reshare the same stories, as followers see the content twice. Public displays of affection on Facebook are also best kept private.
