Presenting Social Rehab, an initiative to get people to practise good cellphone etiquette in social settings, and connect with life outside of their phones! Smartphones have wormed their way into our everyday interactions, and are never far from one’s reach.. perhaps at the cost of a truly engaging coversation with friends, or an epic blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment. In a previous post I yakked about how body language accounts for at least half of conversation. Whether it’s basic courtesy, or developing good interpersonal skills (necessary for business communication, for the practical ones), cellphone etiquette is something we shouldn’t ignore any longer.

Social Rehab isn’t about trying to make you delete all your apps or throw your phone in the river. It’s about maintaining a healthy social life in the real world, uninterrupted by phone alerts, sideway glances at one’s phone, or phantom vibrations—balance is the word.

Social Rehab offers a simple but comprehensive Toolkit that will help you wean yourself off checking those apps when you’re out at dinner. Keep your hands busy with the Instagram glasses, Facebook ‘Like’ stickers, Twitter note cards and Draw Something doodle pads, and enjoy real life with the people you’re hanging out with.

So yes, here’s checking Alexa into Social Rehab!

Deep breaths and a good meal saw her safely through the Social Rehab experience.

You can make your own toolkit using this printable A3/A4 template:

And here are a few suggestions on how to get the most out of your toolkit:

The best part about the whole deal? Social Rehab believes in having some fun as well. This coming Saturday, head down to Social Rehab at Loof, where everyone’s invited to lock their phones up at the door, in order to unlock 10% off drinks for every hour you survive from 7-11pm. A challenge for some, a celebration for those who have consciously improved their cellphone etiquette, but all in all a world’s first crowd experiment. Also, if you missed the first wave of distribution, get your free Social Rehab Toolkits at the event, while stocks last. We’ll see you there; don’t be a stranger!

Get on board and check into Social Rehab today.

xo
A & S