Emily Post's Netiquette - Who's the next Emily?

Last night at Chili's I watched the elementary student at the table next to me play on his iPad throughout dinner. He was perfectly quiet and completely engaged - but never interacted with his family. I was intrigued until I was  distracted by the older lady having a conversation on her cell phone with one of her grandbabies.  We'd call her a loud-talker! I couldn't see the faces of her table mates. They were mostly looking down, and I think one was actually crawling under the table!

In a great conversation this morning with other district administrators, the potential for declining social skills because of the intense technology focus arose. I've actually thought about this; I'm not completely afraid.

I have horrible phone etiquette. I know I do, but I daily continue to misbehave with my phone. No, I'm not sexting or bullying; I'm not visiting inappropriate sites or even texting and driving. Instead, I answer the phone in a public place, talk while I am checking out, text at the table, look at my phone at a red light, text my kids upstairs rather than go up there, check my twitter feed while I should be listening to a friend… you get the picture. Now, here's what is funny. I don't wear white after Labor Day or before Easter. I wait to eat until everyone is served. I put my napkin in my lap. I even use the correct fork and say "Yes, ma'am" and "No, ma'am.
So, why don't I have appropriate digital etiquette?
Well, the digital age is new to me. I am learning constantly. It's difficult to familiarize yourself with a device AND with the appropriate social expectations - especially when we don't know them! I believe that as our digital native children grow, they will develop and respect expectations. They will raise their children to monitor their time online, say "Yes, ma'am," put the phone away at times, open the door for others, never text and drive, check social media periodically… They will have seen the err of our ways, and they will raise socially appropriate natives.
We didn't because the rules are being developed around us - as we speak. How could I have taught my kids about twitter or Facebook when I was just figuring them out myself?!
My children will not be social sloths. They'll be fine.
Emily Post may not be around, but someone out there is taking her legacy into the 21st Century. Once netiquette is known and expected, like other adults, I'll get it too!
Until then, this guest speaker sounds like he's finishing up, and I need to check my email!