Siri-ously Annoying
Siri is the newest addiction for iPhone 4S owners. But is this addiction getting annoying for the rest of us? When I use my Android phone for finding information, I’m searching directly on Google. But Siri is an independent search engine, which is probably why it can’t find everything. Apple programmed Siri to practically have a personality, which is probably why people are so addicted to it—even when it’s really not appropriate. Here are some tips to keep in mind before getting sucked into Siri-land.
Be Aware of Others
Just because you can talk to Siri doesn’t mean you always should. Use the 10-foot rule to determine whether to talk on your phone or not. If you are within 10-feet of strangers, it’s too close. Texting, email, and social media apps are still available for you to communicate. James Katz, director of the Center for Mobile Communication Studies at Rutgers, says that people who dictate to their phones are creating an inconvenience for others (having to hear unnecessary noise) rather than dealing with an inconvenience themselves (typing slowly on a cramped cell phone keyboard). So if you think it makes you look important to dictate a text to Siri while in a public place, realize that you’re actually being incredibly rude to those around you. It also sounds a little silly to dictate punctuation.
Don’t Always Use Speakerphone
You don’t have to use speakerphone to use Siri. Using speakerphone is appropriate when you’re by yourself or showing Siri off to friends. Otherwise, make the extra effort of actually lifting the phone to your ear in order to keep Siri conversations private.
After Two Tries, Use the Web
Don’t keep trying over and over for Siri to answer your question. If she’s not getting it after the second or third time, it’s probably a question that Siri can’t answer and you’ll be directed to the web anyway. It’s annoying for people to hear you try to search for one thing over and over again only for Siri to give you the same wrong answer. Let it go and turn to your trusted Google search. Your neighbors will thank you.
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