Mobile Phone etiquette: the habits locals can't stand, and compared them to poor hygiene
Heading out with friends this weekend in Leeds? Maybe think twice before using your mobile phone, according to a new study on ‘mobile etiquette’
A new study conducted by O2, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults, found that mobile manners have deteriorated over the last decade, with 71% of those questioned admitting frustration over heading out - only to be met with friends staring at their smaller screen.
Over half of those who responded (53%) even went as far as to call poor mobile etiquette as off-putting as poor personal hygiene, and while local venues such as Under The Arches have implemented a “no mobile phone” rule on the dancefloor, 76% want public spaces such as gyms and restaurants to enforce clearer guidelines on phone usage within those premises.
O2’s findings also revealed that 77% of respondents believe that mobile etiquette is now as important, if not more important, than traditional table manners, though in a moment of self-reflection, many admitted that they want to improve their own mobile phone habits in 2026.
Speaking about their findings, a spokesperson at O2 admitted it was “interesting to see mobile manners are now considered to be as important as personal hygiene,” while also contending that “there’s a real appetite for more thoughtful, considerate phone habits” with 2026 the “perfect opportunity to hit refresh.”
Laura Windsor, a ‘Modern Manners’ coach who has partnered with O2 for the study, also commented on the findings, stating that despite phones being central to how we live and communicate, “but that shouldn't come at the expense of social courtesy.
“While they are essential tools for staying connected, there is a clear appetite for more mindfulness.”
What are the most annoying mobile phone habits to avoid when going out?
The study pulled together the top ten answers respondents declared were examples of ‘poor’ mobile etiquette - so if you’re heading out in the city this weekend, perhaps best to avoid one of these digital faux pas.
- Not silencing your phone in public spaces (45%)
- Loudspeaker use in public (42%)
- Checking your phone during a meal (’Phubbing’) (35%)
- Photographing people in public without their consent (34%)
- Sneakily looking at someone else’s phone, tablet, or laptop screen (’Backdoor browsing’) (28%)
- Borrowing a phone charger and not giving it back (27%)
- Talking loads of selfies in front of other people (26%)
- Checking your phone after being intimate with someone (22%)
- Not replying to people on text or via call promptly (20%)
- Speaking to someone while still wearing earphones/headphones (19%)
What can I do to avoid displaying poor mobile etiquette when out and about?
Want to stay on everyone’s good side? Modern Manners coach Laura Windsor shares her expert advice on how to ditch the bad mobile habits winding up the UK.
The World is Your Oyster, Not Your Stage
“Whether it’s a TikTok binge or a Spotify playlist, the public space is not your personal concert hall. Playing audio out loud, even at low volume, creates a "noise soup" of overlapping sounds that can be incredibly draining for those around you.”
The Golden Rule: “If you haven’t got headphones, hit the mute button. Keep shared spaces a ‘no-scroll-sound’ zone.”
Lower the "Main Character" Volume
“Public transport and cafes are not phone booths. We often don't realise how much our volume spikes when we're on a call, but chatting loudly is officially as offensive as refusing to give up a seat for someone in need.”
The Golden Rule: “Use your ‘library voice’. If you’re in a quiet setting, a hand over your mouth can help muffle the sound, or better yet, wait until you’ve stepped outside to finish the gossip.”
Table Manners 2.0: No "Phubbing"
“Placing your phone on the table is the modern way of saying someone more interesting might contact me. This ‘phubbing’ (phone-snubbing) can be considered rude and make your dining companions feel secondary to your notifications.”
The Golden Rule: “Unless you’re an on-call surgeon, your phone can stay in your pocket or bag. Give the person across from you 100% of your attention.”
Close the "Backdoor" on Browsing
“In Britain, privacy is sacred. "Backdoor browsing", sneaking a look at a stranger's messages or photos over their shoulder, is the digital equivalent of reading someone’s diary.”
The Golden Rule: “Mind your own business. If you find your eyes wandering to a neighbour's screen, try pivoting to a book, looking out the window, or focusing on your own device. Respect the digital boundary.”
What’s a mobile phone habit that drives you to distraction when out and about with friends in Leeds? Let us know your mobile phone faux pas by leaving a comment wherever you’ve read this article or by contacting the writer of this story - preferably when not in a social situation!