I'm traveling with family this weekend in a touristy place and have been out in public in crowded areas. I am really shocked by the number of people who have loud, personal conversations on the phone in speaker mode. This ranges from walking down the sidewalk, to in line for washrooms, to seated restaurant dining.

I've heard people say that it's because the phone speaker breaks (for their ear) but I've never had that happen in all the years I've destroyed phones and never had a friend or colleague say that happened. Other people say it's because the glass is cracked and they worry about cutting their face, etc.

My personal bias is this is inconsiderate but then I ask myself how is it different from talking to a person next to them, say. I'm willing to be change my mind here.

People who do this, please explain what's going on so I can sleep at night. :)

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[–] uis@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago

Thank Faust I don't see this in my country. With maybe exception of listening voice messages in loud places.

[–] almightyGreek@lemmy.world -1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (3 children)

How is it different from having a conversation with everyone in the same space? I mean, you wouldn't care if the other person was in the same room as the caller, would you?

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[–] Dagwood222@lemm.ee -5 points 2 years ago (3 children)

A lot of people have problems hearing their phone in a crowded, noisy situation.

[–] bignavy@programming.dev -3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

You got downvoted for being sympathetic - and it also happens to be the right reason.

I prefer to use a Bluetooth earbud. But a lot of times even with the phone turned up and smooshed against my face - I just can’t hear. Especially in loud places.

I can, almost always hear my speaker - and I can have my hands free and interact with my phone too.

I don’t do this in public, mind. But I could see it being a hard habit to break.

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[–] Kichae@lemmy.ca -5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

For me: My 'ear' speaker no longer works, and I answer about 8 phone calls a year, so there's no pressure to get a new phone, or to carry earphones.

I don't personally see it as any less considerate than talking on your phone in public normally. It makes you look kind of obnoxious and ridicukous, holding your phone up like it's some kind of tiny pizza box - and yes, I feel obnoxious and ridiculous if I ever have to take a call in public - but I don't see why it should actually bother anyone else any more than any other conversation happening in public.

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