2008 Woodie Awards
The cell-free 'zone'
Where to draw the line
Lisa DeBenedictis, Collegian Staff
Issue date: 10/7/08 Section: News
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.
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.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Alex
posted 10/07/08 @ 9:49 AM EST
Has anyone at the Collegian ever proofread an article? I have been reading the Collegian for five years now and the vast majority of the articles I have read contain serious grammatical errors as well as blatant spelling mistakes, most of which could easily be remedied if the author and editor would at least run the stories through a spell-checker. (Continued…)
Alex
posted 10/07/08 @ 2:04 PM EST
"The Massachusetts Daily Collegian has an 'open door' policy with regards to reader comments. In the interest of facilitating an open discourse, comments are not screened or edited for spelling, mechanics or content. (Continued…)
Writing Frontier
posted 10/07/08 @ 2:48 PM EST
Saw your piece. Read this one. Peace.
http://writingfrontier.com/2008/07/12/are-you-talking-to-me/
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