Modern technology at its best/worst

An AP-AOL-Pew Research Center poll on cell phone use reported in today's Press business section found that almost nine in 10 users of cell phones said they encountered others using cell phones in an annoying way. But only 8 percent of cell phone users acknowledged their own use of cell phones was sometimes rude. If that 8 percent had been asked a follow-up question, ''Do you care if your use of the cell phone bothers others,'' we would guess 98 percent of them would have said no.

As with any new technology, cell phones are a mixed blessing. As a device that allows people to stay in constant touch with others, regardless of where they are, it's a godsend. But in the hands of people who have no regard for others - a seemingly growing segment of the population - at least in New Jersey - there seems to be no limit to its downside: The threat posed to public safety by people who use them while driving. The annoyance of ringers going off in inappropriate places - including the workplace. The cheesy computer-generated music that tells the user - and all those around him or her - that someone is calling. The loud conversations you have no interest in hearing, on crowded buses, trains, theater lobbies and public restrooms. The unwanted intrusions on golf courses, beaches and other places where people try to find refuge from the onslaught of technology.

You don't think your use of the cell phone is irritating others? Chances are, you're wrong.