With technology constantly at our fingertips, information is essentially available whenever we want it. However, not all of that information is meant for everyone’s eyes.
Every once in a while, an individual will hand another person his or her phone to see a picture or video, and a text or social media message might pop up while that other person has the phone. Or, there’s also the case of a phone sitting on a table or counter, and a message pops up on the lock screen, drawing the attention of someone who is not the owner of that phone.
Do you avert your eyes? Read it? Hand the phone back to the owner? WTH is protocol?
Most of the individuals surveyed by NatNews advise others not to read texts that aren’t meant for them. Lyndsey Kohn, who attends the Thursday Night Social Run events, recently accidentally saw a text on a friend’s phone and was reminded of a past relationship in which her ex read through messages on her device.
“Long story short, one of my guy friends was trying to show me something on his Instagram, and his girlfriend’s text message popped up,” Kohn said. “I only saw the first bit of it, but needless to say, it was a text strictly reserved for him. Luckily, my friend and I laughed about it, and I was way more embarrassed than he even cared. I even apologized later for reading it since I’ve had that happen to me before, and it sucked.”
Current research shows that Americans spend an average of nearly four hours on their phones per day, causing people to develop habits and instincts to read whatever they see on the screens in front of them.
“When something just pops up, our eyes are drawn to it, and it’s natural to start reading it,” White Rock Running Co-op admin and IT specialist Josh Odegard said. “Sometimes you might see a message pop up on a friend’s phone from someone you know, and you’re just curious to know what they’re talking about.”
But WRRC member Dan Sullivan doesn’t think that curiosity justifies reading what was meant for someone else.
“I’ve had [people] be sneaky and read a text or two not intended for them, and let’s just say that’s slimy and definitely a violation of my texting rights,” he said.
While it might be bothersome to some people, others are much less concerned.
“I don’t feel like I have anything to hide, so if someone reads a message on my phone, it doesn’t bother me,” Odegard said. “Even in a relationship, if my partner decides to look in my phone, it doesn’t really upset me. Of course, I want them to trust me enough to not feel the need to check, but if they do, I hope when they don’t find anything, it puts their mind at ease and helps them to trust me.”
WEEKLY PHOTO OP
WRRC's Elizabeth Cruz celebrates her birthday with Chuy's, cupcakes, and good friends