A blog post for those people who have no idea what we do on our smartphones...

This subject has been winding me up for quite a while now – people (particularly the older generation in my experience) complaining about us (the mobile phone generation) being on our mobile phones.

Stop it.

It really winds me up.

Yes, there are times you should never be on your mobile phone such as when driving, so yes please go ahead and continue complaining about that. 

But, there are many other instances when it is totally acceptable and I feel the older generation may not quite realise the uses of a smart phone nowadays and what exactly it is we are doing on them.

So, if you’ve ever complained about a person on their mobile phone before, read below and perhaps think twice before doing it again.

Here are some of the many reasons someone might be on their mobile (other than wasting time browsing a personal Facebook feed, snapping food pics for Insta, or downloading goofy videos on Twitter, which I think may be the assumption and only thing people think people do on their phones):

To make use of free Wifi and use the internet (especially if you don't have it at home...)

When my husband and I moved into our new home almost 3 years ago, we had a total palaver with Sky trying to set up our home internet connection.  We were left without internet for a good 3-4 weeks.  Not useful at the best of times, but I run a business from home and my husband often works from home too.  

Our only option was to make use of local free Wifi to work/check emails. 

We decided one evening to go to the local pub to use their Wifi and thought we may as well go at dinner time and grab some food too. 

I could hear the comments from the next table – ‘how awful, they’re not even talking to each other, just sat on their mobile phones!

’Yes, I know!  Because that was entirely the purpose of our visit to the pub – to WORK on our mobile phones using the pubs Wifi for 1-2 hours. 

At other non-working times we have plenty of insightful conversations thank you very much.  But this was a ‘working dinner’ if you like.

For directions

Yep, these clever mobiles nowadays now come with maps installed.  So if I’m in an unusual place then I’m probably trying to find my destination by using the Maps app on my phone. 

I bet you wouldn’t moan about a tourist looking in a foldable map to find their way, but this is exactly what I could be doing as I walk along the street.

To read the news

My phone is my newspaper.  I love to keep up to date around the world with the top news stories and I do this with the News app. 

I doubt people would whinge about an old man sat reading a newspaper in the corner of the pub, but this is quite possibly what every person irritating you on their mobile phone in the pub is actually doing. 

They could even be reading their favourite book or studying!

To work

It’s incredible how you can now use your phone to work.  I can be sent a Google doc to review and I can do this on my phone using the Docs app.  I receive emails on my phone which are from work.  I am also a mystery shopper and do this via an app on my phone. 

So if I’m stood in the middle of a supermarket on my phone and assumed to be ‘not paying attention’, it’s most likely I’m reviewing the store and typing out my answers.  I’m not doing something pointless; in fact, I’m actually earning income from my mobile phone.

More Productive Things People Use Smartphones For

We often assume someone on their phone is aimlessly scrolling, but the truth is smartphones are powerful tools for everyday life. Here are more reasons someone might be using theirs productively:

To Take Photos and Videos

One of the most popular uses for smartphones is taking photos and videos. People capture memories of family events, nature walks, pets doing something funny, or simply something beautiful they see during the day. I might be sat with my phone pointed at the sky because there’s a stunning sunset I don’t want to forget. You wouldn’t tell someone with a “proper” camera to put it away, so why assume the worst just because it’s a smartphone?

To Listen to Music, Podcasts, or Audiobooks

Smartphones are portable entertainment and education tools. I often listen to music playlists, educational podcasts, or audiobooks while cooking, walking, or commuting. If you see me with headphones in while holding my phone, I might not be ignoring you – I’m just in the middle of an interesting chapter or song.

To Learn or Practise Skills

From recipe apps to language-learning tools, smartphones are like having a pocket tutor. I’ve used mine to follow step-by-step cooking videos, learn new yoga poses, or practise a few words of Spanish before a holiday witha. language learning app like Duolingo. Not every screen tap is about mindless scrolling – sometimes it’s self-improvement.

To Check Public Transport Times

If I’m stood at a bus stop staring at my phone, I might be checking the next bus arrival or whether there’s a train delay. It’s quicker than squinting at a faded timetable, and it means I can plan my journey without stress.

To Access Important Documents and Tickets

Gone are the days of printing out boarding passes, cinema tickets, or booking confirmations. My phone stores everything I need to get into events, flights, or hotel check-ins. So if you see me scrolling in a queue, I’m probably pulling up my e-ticket, not avoiding conversation.  On my last couple of holidays all the boarding passes were available on the airlines app and they didn't even hand out any paper copies!

More things people might be doing on their mobile phones that aren't mindlessly scrolling social media...

Here are some additional reasons someone might be on their mobile phone:

• To stay in touch with family and friends: People might be texting, calling, or using messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones who live far away or who they haven't seen in a while.  Even my Grandad uses a smartphone and WhatsApps family and friends!
• To manage their finances: Many people use mobile banking apps to check their account balances, transfer money, pay bills, and track their spending.
• To make reservations or appointments: People might be using their phone to make restaurant reservations, book a doctor's appointment, or schedule a haircut.
• To learn something new: Mobile phones can be used to access educational resources, such as language learning apps, online courses, or tutorial videos.
• To stay organised: People might be using their phone's calendar or to-do list app to keep track of appointments, meetings, and tasks.
• To shop online: Many people use their phones to browse online stores, compare prices, and make purchases.
• To stay safe: People might be using their phone to call for help in an emergency, or to access safety resources such as weather alerts or health information.

Final word

I’m sure there are many other reasons why people could be using their mobile phone for something important. These are the top ones that I can think of for how I use mine, and sometimes get funny looks or comments!  Arg.

So if you see someone on their mobile phone, don't be judgemental, be kind and know they might actually be doing something productive with their time.

Direct your would-be annoyance to something worthwhile like pointless paper-wasting junk mail or what-should-be-illegal cold callers.