Intel detects US rudeness problems

A FRIDAY TYPE OF SURVEY by Intel has found that the majority of US adults think that most people should have better manners when using mobile devices.

Intel found that 91 per cent of respondents had witnessed people misusing technology.

And 75 per cent of people polite enough to respond to questions about manners said that mobile etiquette was worse than it was in 2009, suggesting that people are ruder these days.

In fact it is not just that people are ruder these days, although they probably are, but more the result of there being more mobile devices about. This means that the git that once sat down opposite you in a coffee shop and spilled your latte with his netbook while barking into his phone is now making someone aware of his location on a GPS watch and gazing vapidly at a picture on a tablet at the same time.

Rude behaviour, according to Intel, includes texting or typing when driving, which is illegal, sending emails while walking, which is ridiculous, and using a mobile device on a honeymoon, which is tragic.

What this has to do with Intel is anyone's guess, until you remember that it makes chips for the invasive Tribble-like devices.

"As the innovator behind the processors, or 'brains,' and complementary technologies that power many of today's mobile devices, Intel taps its team of social scientists, anthropologists, psychologists and industrial designers to provide a glimpse into how people use, will use or would like to use technology, including mobile devices, well into the future, across different cultures," the firm said in its press release.

Why a firm so clearly to blame for the erosion of public decency would seek to draw attention to its activities is another question. But it is not for The INQUIRER to criticise Intel's motives.

Genevieve Bell, an Intel Fellow and head of interaction and experience research at Intel Labs barged into the press release to announce, "We use this research and our understandings about what people care about to help make technology even better - to drive innovation and revolution in technology development. It is important to remember that most digital technology is still quite new to consumers. For instance the mobile technology is still relatively novel... so it's no surprise that people still struggle with how to best integrate these devices into their lives."

Bell added that people - who we assume are also the sort of people who leave toilet seats up, sprawl across train seats and eat crisps with their mouths open - have not worked out the most appropriate behaviour when using mobile phones.

"Our appropriate digital technology behaviors are still embryonic, and it's important for Intel and the entire industry to maintain a dialogue about the way people use technology and our personal relationships with technology as they continue to help shape societal and cultural norms," Bell said. µ