Cell phones have become increasingly used, and almost a daily norm. But have we taken cell phone use too far?
On my cell phone I can use the internet, take pictures, text or email someone, play games, find a location, play a game, schedule an event, or even talk on it. The original cell phone was only able to make calls and was huge and bulky. Now we can do almost anything on a cell phone at any moment in time as long as you are in an area that receives service. Along with the technological changes in the first cell phone and a present day cell phone, these changes in turn have impacted our relationships. We can now do things we would normally do on our computers at anytime and anywhere because of our cell phones. The technology has become so advanced that it can do almost anything it seems like.
One thing that I have noticed a cell phone can also do that is not listed on the features of the box is that it impacts my personal relations with others. It is beneficial that I can communicate with my friends easily, and I can access information quickly using the mobile web. However, it is harmful too. I can choose not to talk to someone easily by simply screening calls, or not responding to a text message. It also engages us in "continuous partial attention" almost always. I am guilty of the continuous partial attention and it is very hard to get away from. Recently I noticed how on edge I was from using my cell phone too much. I was texting almost always, even when I was spending quality time with others, like my boyfriend. Of course he did not like this. Why would you want to spend time with someone who is constantly on their phone? I must admit I hate spending time with someone who is continuously texting especially while they are talking to you. You wonder whose conversation they are more engaged in, and if they would rather be doing something else than being there with you. As I noticed this in myself, and how my cell phone was taking away from my daily interactions in the real world, I wanted to change how I use my cell phone.
McLuhan said that "The medium is the message." I think we all have forgotten what the cell phone was originally intended for and have been distracted by the content the cell phone has brought along with it recently. Because of this it has definitely shaped the way we think , act and perceive the world around us like McLuhan said.
After reading many articles that said turning of your cell phone and getting away from the internet can be beneficial for one, I decided to give it a try myself. I have noticed that when not always expecting a text or constantly checking my phone I have become less anxious, and more relaxed. I realized I was not missing out on much, and I didn't need to text as much as I really thought. I also have no problem now ignoring a text and not responding while in class, with friends, or even in a movie theater. The content in these text messages usually can wait and are not that important that they need to take up my time constantly. In the article "Being Always On," the author states that studies in other countries who have had cell phone use much longer than our nation, people have no problem turning off their phones during work, studying, and during other daily rituals.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520161340.htm
Do you think that all the hype with cell phones will decrease and our society will find a way to balance cell phone use more equally into our lives instead of letting it take over our lives? Will we realize that cell phones do not need to be a necessity in our lives, and become less hooked to them? Or will the trend of cell phone use, whether it be texting, surfing the web, or talking , continualy increase as the technology gets better and better?
I am also victim of "continuous partial attention." I think when something new comes out we are always really intrigued, like texting. However I think with time it dies down. I know when I first got text messaging I was so addicted and like you said always on edge. I always wanted to know what my new message said and write back even though it wasn't crucial. I think as time goes on we realize that it is not a necessity and i think we become less attached. I'm not totally unattached but I'm getting there!
ReplyDeleteGood question Amber, it is difficult to say. If you look at the history of cell phone use since it started catching on in the U.S. it seems that people are just getting more attached to them. That is why phones now have the internet and music and everything else under the sun on them, because the people demanded it. I see the trend continuing to rise for a while. It is still not expected for the average person to be able to access the internet from their phone, but I believe it will get to that point in the next 5 years or so. And when the mass population can do almost anything from their cell phone I see it taking an even more active roll in their lives, making most people in a continuous partial attention state. Which will probably lead to a lot of boyfriends getting mad at their girlfriends and their "technological bf".....their cell phone.
ReplyDeleteI think almost all of our generation that we are surrounded by are victims of using our cellular devices too often. I find it rude when I'm talking to someone and all they do is check their phone or text the whole time. I found myself getting on my husband about that the other night when we were out to dinner. Then it made me realize if I was acting out of my age, who cares if he texts? It seems that it is the norm for to people always be texting and being on their phones. I wonder how older generations feel about the texting addiction. Do you think they get more offended then someone who is younger and used to the technology. I remember in high school my dad always told me it was rude to take a phone call at dinner and to text while eating. It just seems like times have changed.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that society will find a balance. It does not seem like technology is going to slow down and I think the problem will just get worse. I think it would be great if it did but I think many people even think about the issue. I know before our discussions in class I never really thought about the issue in depth.