Public cell phone use has all kinds of possible psychological meanings. For some it’s a reflection of a discrepancy between their attitudes and behavior. They know that it’s rude and annoying to engage in this behavior, but they rationalize it by believing that it’s necessary due to some special situation that is affecting them. In fact, it’s entirely plausible that people need to be on their cell phones and have no choice but to do so while they’re in a public place.