Here’s how you can silence loud phone users in one simple trick

We’ve all been there—stuck next to someone blasting their phone at full volume in a café, on the train, or in a waiting room.

The instinct is usually to grit your teeth and endure it.

But one woman’s cheeky approach has caught the attention of frustrated Australians everywhere.

The moment that sparked a viral reaction

A woman known as Lu recently shared her ingenious way of dealing with inconsiderate phone users, and it resonated widely.

The incident took place in what appeared to be a café, where Lu sat near a stranger watching videos at maximum volume.

Rather than fuming silently or politely asking—which she admitted hadn’t worked before—Lu took a bold yet clever approach.

She calmly asked the man what he was watching, and when he replied it was ‘just a video,’ she made her move.

'Can I watch it with you?' she asked.

When the stranger mentioned there were only two minutes left, Lu delivered her masterstroke: 'Oh, two minutes? Then you've got time for me to watch then. Because I thought you wanted to share what you were watching with us. Because we can totally hear it.'

The hint was clear, and the man immediately turned the volume down.

A growing public nuisance

Lu’s encounter highlighted a much wider problem.

Research shows that 79 per cent of adults encounter loud or annoying mobile phone behaviour in public at least occasionally, with 30 per cent saying they frequently experience it.

Experts describe this as an 'outright epidemic' of people playing videos, music, and games without headphones.

In Australia, loud phone calls and video viewing aren’t specifically prohibited by law, though Sydney’s intercity trains have introduced 'quiet carriages' where commuters are advised to keep phones silent and use headphones.

Why public courtesy is declining

The rise in inconsiderate phone behaviour is linked to increased phone addiction.

A 2023 study found 57 per cent of Americans admitted to being addicted to their phones, and platforms with highly engaging content, like social media video apps, keep people glued to screens even in public.

Psychologists note that humans often model behaviour from others, especially when norms aren’t well established.

This has created a cycle where loud, inconsiderate behaviour becomes increasingly normal.

The psychology behind Lu’s technique

Lu’s approach works because it applies social pressure without confrontation.

Professor Jay Van Bavel from New York University explained this as a 'Covid-era 'norm erosion' that can only change if there’s sufficient norm enforcement'.

By asking to join in, Lu held up a mirror to the behaviour in a humorous, non-aggressive way.

Other approaches that work

Lu’s method isn’t the only solution.

Australians report success with:

The direct approach: 'Excuse me, would you mind using headphones?'

The helpful stranger: 'I've got spare earbuds if you need them'

The mirror technique: Playing your own content loudly to make a point

The practical approach: Simply moving away and choosing your battles

Experts caution that confrontational methods can backfire, as it may be intimidating to challenge a stranger.

A generational difference

There’s a notable generational divide in tolerance for public phone use.

Research shows 90 per cent of adults aged 18 to 29 see public phone use as acceptable, compared to just 54 per cent of those aged 65 and older.

When confrontation isn’t the answer

Not everyone using speakerphone is being rude.

People with hearing aids may experience feedback when holding a phone to their ear and need speakerphone.

Others may have accessibility needs that aren’t obvious.

Reading the situation is key.

A gentle approach like Lu’s often works when someone is unaware of their impact, while prioritising safety is best if a person seems deliberately inconsiderate or aggressive.

A call for common courtesy

Lu’s viral moment sparked a conversation about etiquette in the digital age.

Experts are clear: avoid speakerphone in public, including planes, trains, subways, rideshares, waiting rooms, lines, and restaurants.

The solution doesn’t require laws or enforcement—just basic consideration for others.

Lu’s clever approach shows that speaking up with humour and tact can make a difference.

Lu’s clever approach shows that a little tact and humour can resolve noisy phone situations in public.

Sometimes, though, encounters with inconsiderate behaviour can be far more surprising and dramatic than expected.

For a real-life example of a commuter causing a stir on public transport, check out this story.

Read more: Unbelievable! Commuter shocks passengers with bizarre public transport behaviour

What’s your take on Lu’s approach—have you ever used a clever tactic to handle inconsiderate phone users?