[Fingel]

From my experience there is a correlation between how likely you are to use your phone during a meal with others, and how boring of a person you are. Have dinner with intelligent people that know how to hold a conversation and you'll forget that you even have a phone.

[sp332]

What if you're using your phone to carry on a conversation with someone who isn't present?

[paganel]

I think that would be rude, the same way as talking on the phone while others are present at the table is rude.

[prawn]

Generally, you'd leave the table to do that.