Annoying mobile phone habits in public are on the rise, according to a survey from Telstra.

The research found four out of five Australians believe mobile phone behaviour is getting worse, as smartphones encourage more people to spend their time surfing the net in social situations.

Holding inappropriate conversations on the phone in public and using a phone while driving are the biggest gripes, both with 80 per cent of the vote. Loud and annoying ringtones (55%), listening to music loudly on a phone in public (54%), and using a phone while crossing the road (40%) make up the rest of the top four.

Although one in two Australians (47%) hate it when people talk on their phone while on public transport, 57% admit to regularly doing so.

Tablets and smartphones with internet access are also causing annoyance. Listening to music loudly on a phone in public (40%), showing-off apps (38%), using a tablet at the dinner table (34%), forcing people to look at personal pics (34%) and not muting their text tone (24%) top the list of grievances.

Telstra consumer executive director, Rebekah O’Flaherty, said: "More than one third of the mobiles we sell are smartphones and Facebook use on mobiles has tripled in the past year, so it’s not surprising some of us aren’t sure if it’s acceptable to check-in friends on Facebook during lunch or show-off their latest apps over the dinner table.

"It’s clear modern technology with instant, one-click access to social networking and email had transformed the way Australians live, which is why we need a new set of etiquette rules to help turn around mobile misbehaviour."

Telstra recommends putting the phone away in restaurants, nights out and at the movies. Being aware of what is an appropriate conversation in public is also good etiquette, while pausing to think before you update or Tweet your status could prevent embarrassment later.