5 Annoying Smartphone Users You Can’t Escape In Public

Walk down any high street or take a form of public transport, and you’ll notice the prevalence of smartphone use. The vast majority of citizens use their smartphones in a fine and acceptable manner; however, there are others who overstep the mark in terms of both decency and etiquette. We expose these annoying smartphone users for their actions and lament them for what they really are: a nuisance to society.

1. The Gym Bro Scroller

Phones are everywhere on the gym floor. Some use them solely to track their sets (which is fine), while I’ve seen others engage in lengthy conversations whilst pedalling on the exercise bike. There are, of course, the selfie takers who need to let everyone on Instagram know it’s leg day.

By far the worst offenders, however, are the ones who occupy a bench or machine for far longer than is necessary as a result of spending the majority of their time glued to their phones. I understand that rests after sets are important, but speaking from experience, I’ve never required a 5-minute breather between bicep curls.

The gym bro scroller is, of course, on the machine you need to be on next, too. You look over, anxiously waiting for them to vacate the machine so you can dash over to claim it for yourself. You may ever stare menacingly in their direction, but they do not flinch, too engrossed in TikTok reels to even notice your blatant disdain. Your patience wanes, and you move onto another piece of equipment, whilst cursing the gym bro scroller under your breath.

2. The Distracted Dawdler

Etiquette when walking in public is not something we excel at in the UK. Whether it’s the school kids sauntering five abreast on roadside paths, forcing you to step out into oncoming traffic, or those who offer zero thanks for allowing them to pass in narrow spaces, we have a lot to learn.

More recent offenders are those who walk head down, staring at their screens, whilst the world around them goes by. This entitled lot believes that it is you who must move out of the way for them, even if they are obliviously heading directly towards you.

I refuse to cave in to this obnoxious bunch; instead, I continue on my trajectory, and if that means they get a fright when they either collide with me or realise their ignorance a split-second prior to impact, then so be it. I sometimes even get an apology, but not always.

3. The Centre Of Attention

Whether it’s FaceTime calls or blasting out their usually awful music on busy train carriages, the ‘centre of attention’ will use their phone in any way possible to the annoyance of those around them.

They must be seen and heard at all times, as they are clearly far more important than everyone else. Those in earshot have the misfortune of hearing all about their make-or-break 9 am meeting (think Bob Mortimer’s train guy) and their drab weekend plans.

4. The Serial Snapper

Of course, I had to mention the serial snappers who insist on taking a picture of everything and everyone. You walk around in constant fear that you’ll be in the background, blissfully unaware that a serial snapper has struck again.

From Instagram selfies to those who need to take a picture of their every meal, you’ll find this lot in every café, bar and restaurant. They are outside too, cajoling their friends and loved ones into a picture nobody except them wanted to be taken.

5. The “Haven’t A Clue Who They’re Talking To”

Spend any time in public these days, and you’ll notice people walking around seemingly having a conversation with an invisible person. At first, you think they’re talking to you and may even begin to respond before spotting the earplugs, indicating they’re actually communicating with somebody else.

With earplugs in, they bellow at a level many decibels higher than they would otherwise. Like the centre of attention, I mentioned earlier, they are viewed with much disdain by others for their self-centred nature. I understand the benefits of hands-free communication in theory, but it is less well-received in practice.

Final Thoughts

Take a look around when you’re next out in public, and you’ll no doubt see some of the annoying smartphone users I have mentioned in this article. Maybe you’re one yourself, and I’ve just provided you with a large dollop of guilt.