The Dater’s Guide to Proper Tech Etiquette

Contrary to popular belief, there’s a right and a wrong time to use technology when it comes to dating, relationships and interacting with others. And, even if you’re born and bred in the tech age as many of us from Gen Y are, that’s not an excuse for poor behavior. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering when it was appropriate to use a text rather than calling, or if it was even proper to answer your phone during a date, here’s a short and sweet “Do’s and Don’ts” list of Proper Tech Etiquette.

Texting is great if you’re confirming dates, sending your date the address for the meet, and (after the date) to drop them a short line to say how much fun you had. These are all times where you might not want to drop everything that you’re doing to hang on the phone, and maybe you also don’t want awkward silences while you and your intended try to think of what to say.

It is not appropriate to text someone because you want to break up with them, are canceling plans, or want to change the venue and then need to send three more, long and complicated texts to explain just why you want to change the venue.

In the above instances, it’s much better, and more polite, to call the person and let them know why you can’t stand their company anymore, or need to change plans. Of course, if you’re in a relationship, some of these rules may not apply to you as you and your hottie may rely on text nearly exclusively to communicate and then only use the phone when someone doesn’t reply quick enough to your texts.

Cell phone use is a bit more complex and a touchier subject. But there are a few taboos you can avoid while actually out with your SO or new date. Keep answering your phone to a minimum. If you spend too much time on the phone, people will assume that you aren’t as an to them as you are in the person on the other end of the line.

Don’t check your phone every two seconds either. It’s extremely rude and gives the same implication that there is someone (or something) else that’s more exciting than the person that’s sitting across from you. And if you are the kind of person who receives 10,001 phone calls and texts, be kind and put your cell on silent or vibrate.

More than likely, if you’re reading this article, you belong to at least one social network and maybe even a blog or two (including micro blogging sites). Well, as wonderful as that is don’t assume that your date wants to share every excruciating detail of their date with the rest of the world. Please be considerate and if you do decide to share details of your big night or daytime event, make sure that you significantly change names and defining details so that your date doesn’t become the hot new clip or joke of the week on Facebook, Twitter or Youtube.

And speaking of online sites…

When you’re ready to make that plunge from single to attached, make sure that you and your sweetie decide whether or not it’s important if you change your status on social sites from single to taken. Some people get very offended if your Facebook profile still reads as single. Likewise, if you also belong to an online dating site, you might be expected to take that profile down.

So, although this isn’t a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts, it should be enough to get you on your way for the next date or potential relationship that you may have. If you’re still wondering about other times when you should handle technology wisely, you should definitely know that alcohol and text messages don’t mix.

Remember, October is “Dating in the City” month. Starting next week we’ll review some very exciting tech gadgets and phone apps all aimed at making your dating life easier!