Rant: At The Store Register, Put Your Cellphone Down!

Cellphone use is so ubiquitous, and far too many people have great difficulty lifting their heads from the screens of their phones no matter what they're doing. They walk down the street, looking at their phones rather than looking out for others who are walking in their path. They even drive, looking down at their cellphones, despite it being illegal in Massachusetts as well as extremely dangerous. This situation has gotten far out of control. 

When these individuals visit a store, from a book shop to a wine shop, they continue using their phone even when they go to the register to make their purchase.

That needs to stop!

First, it's rude as the cashier generally needs to engage you in conversation when you make your purchase. It's hard to do so if you are talking to someone on the phone, or texting, or surfing the Internet. Second, it's dehumanizing to the cashier, as your attention is on your phone and you aren't treating the cashier as a human being, but rather as if they were an automaton. Third, mistakes can easily be made as you aren't paying sufficient attention and may not properly understand whatever questions the cashier asks you.

If you have to make a call, then handle the call before you go to the cashier. Once you get in front of the cashier, put your phone away or down. Give your full attention to the cashier. Treat them as a human being. Engage in some actual face-to-face social interaction. Your life is far greater than the tiny screen of your cell phone.

I've seen this occur numerous times and it's clear from their telephone conversations that it isn't an emergency. It's not a conversation that couldn't wait until after you complete your transaction at the register. 

Have some consideration, engage in some courtesy, and put your cellphone down.