It is inevitable.
At some point in their day, UMass students will hear a cellular phone ring, and most likely, it will be their own. In the off-chance that they don't, there is an absolute certainty that they will either see or hear another student using his cell phone. It is simply part of today's technologically-dependant society.
The use of cell phone use in public is expanding into academic areas that traditionally were communication free, such as the classroom or study areas, leave many students with varied opinions.
Even within the walls of W.E.B. DuBois library, students have the option to keep their cell phones on vibrate, according to signs posted in the Learning Commons. There are also "Cell Zones," portable sound-proof booths where students can enter to have conversations without disrupting others who are studying.
However, many UMass students find that more often than not, people disregard using these booths and elect to answer their phones in the library.
Many students argue that in a world of almost constant communication, it is not a big deal anymore.
But to some students, there still is some sort of cell phone etiquette. There are places where cell phone use should be prohibited, or instances where people should refrain from answering, no matter how discreet they try to remain.
UMass sophomore and psychology major Stephanie Saint Paul believes that cell phone use in the library is acceptable within reason.
"It doesn't really bother me, unless they are really loud about it," Saint Paul said.
"If they are discreet, it is okay. I know I run to the Cell Zones," agreed junior and comparative literature major Katie Roussos. "I think it is good that the library has them, if you need to use your phone and don't want to leave. I see some people using them, but I guess some people don't even remember."
Other UMass students admit that they see many other students ignoring the cell zones and simply answering their phones in study areas.
"I don't think it [the use of the Cell Zones] is followed," said junior and management major Dave Piper. "If you are talking about something private, you shouldn't be talking about it in a public area.
"I've never used a Cell Zone. They are kind of inconvenient. It is more convenient to answer it where I am."
"Just keep it quiet [in the library]," said UMass junior and psychology major Sarah Leva. "I've seen one or more people be rude about it."
Many students seemed to have varying opinions about where and when it is okay to use a cell phone, as well as text messages.
"It is rude if you are in a meeting or having a conversation," Leva said. "I think on buses people shouldn't have conversations on the phone. In public there is not really a time and a place for it."
While some forms of cell phone etiquette seem to exist, a way to simultaneously use cell phones in public without offending others or making a bad impression remains ambiguous.
"I [believe there is a cell phone etiquette], but I don't follow it," said UMass junior and hospitality and tourism major Alex Green. "I feel like there should be etiquette, but sometimes I don't think of it."
When it comes to text messaging, Green does not believe that the same rules apply.
"There is no texting etiquette. I text everywhere. But, I guess it depends. If you are loud about it, I see how it could be distracting," Green said. "I keep my keypad on silent. I feel that the majority of students here text in class, and I don't see why they wouldn't. It is so easy to."
But others disagree.
"If I text in class, I feel kind of guilty," Leva said.
"In a small class or discussion, you shouldn't text," Roussos said.
Indeed, almost all college students text. Although there is no spoken conversation involved in text messaging, it is difficult for students in social situations to figure out where and when it is alright to do so.
"Sometimes, even when you hang out with people, they will be texting. I do it, and I wonder if they think I am being rude," Roussos said.
Most students agree that even though some situations may bother them, the convenience of using cell phones overrides being polite.
Many students agreed that simply being courteous of others, and being aware that the use of cell phones can potentially be distracting or even offensive, will help people cope with cell phones.
Lisa DeBenedictis can be reached at ldebenedictis@dailycollegian.com.
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