Cultural Artifact Analysis - Research Paper Example

Cultural Artifact Analysis Artifact chosen  Keeping the basic survival needs apart, in the burgeoning digital era of contemporary times, it has become hard to imagine a life without a cellular phone. Cell-phones, also known as mobile phones or cellular phones, have emerged as a mainstay in the contemporary times, which qualifies it as a cultural artifact of the modern culture. Cell-phones have materialized as a representation of our times. As the banal words go, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention’. How it is meant to be used Initially, cellular phones were made to facilitate communication and to overcome the need of being constantly tied to a land line. The basic idea was to aid in wireless communication between two or more people, even if they are present in two different continents of the world. The age group for which it is targeted When this technology was introduced, it was meant to be used by mature adults and it was particularly used by those people who were pursuing their jobs. However, with changing times the use and ownership of cell phones changed dramatically. The reason Although, the cellular phone technology was invented to aid in communication but modern use of cell phones have changed dramatically. Carrying a cell phone today is more than just making and receiving calls. An individual’s cell phone has become his own mini-computer which manages his schedules, photos, social life, business directories and much more. Apart from having all the functional utilities, cellular phones are known to have the exclusive capability of being highly personalized. They have provided the consumers with a means of self expression, which no other gadget has yet replaced. Not only that, but it has also revolutionized and altered the way people interact and communicate with each other. The rate at which this technology was embraced is astounding and the impact that it has left on our generation is of unfathomable profundity. Due to this very reason, I have chosen cell phones as a cultural artifact for this paper. How, when and where it was developed The idea of cellular phone had originated in 1900’s, when an inventor named Reginald Fessenden made a remarkable accomplishment when he succeeded in making the first ever wireless telephone call. He was the first man to transmit human voice through radio waves. Later in 1947, William Rae Young, who worked under an engineer named D.H.Ring who was an employee at Bell Laboratories, proposed the idea of establishing radio towers in hexagonal pattern to support telephone network. The concept of a cellular phone had originated from a mobile car phone. Various ideas were put forward by Bell Labs, however, none of them had materialized. Finally, in 1973 a competitor named Martin Cooper succeeded in designing the first ever practical cellular phone. He was an executive at Motorola, which was AT&T’S cut-throat competitor. The first ever cellular phone was called ‘Motorola DynaTAC’ and the length of the devise spanned over to 9 inches and it weighed 2.5 pounds (Strickland, p.1) what culture is the toy typically associated with (culture could be identified as region, country, ethnic group, s.e.s., family etc) Cellular phone was invented for the first time in the United States of America, however, today it cannot be solely attributed to USA alone. Initially, cellular phones were associated to the western world because it was more technologically advanced than the other side of the world and cell phones were more common in the developed nations alone. But, now this technology has overtaken across all the regions of the world. Even in third world countries, like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, cellular phones have become a necessity of everyday life. Therefore, associating cellular phones with western world would be unfair. It would be rather safe to say that cellular phones are cultural artifacts of prevalent modern times, which are of global nature. To substantiate this claim one can quote an example of iphone or any other major brand. When Samsung S4 was unveiled in New York City on March 14th, 2013, it was simultaneously introduced in the rest of the world as well. This demonstrates that cellular phone is a cultural artifact of a global village. Identify what this artifact says about the culture you describe  Contemporary cellular phones have emerged as major tool of development is various facets of the society. It has become a corporate tool, a devise which can notify you if any problems arises and also provides instant solutions which helps individuals to become proactive. Apart from this, cell phones are also known to provide a sense of security to the consumers. Many people feel protected when they are carrying a cell phone and generally resort to their mobile devises in case of emergencies. It has become ‘the’ tool for communication and has modernized businesses to a great extent. Nowadays, deals can be finalized in a matter of seconds, that too with great efficiency by the use of cellular phones. To be precise, cellular phones have changed the way of living. Since, cellular phones have become so commonplace, they have succeeded to establish itself as an artifact of modern culture. What it says about their understanding of development of children and youth, in its broadest meaning. The use of cellular phones has been massively adopted by the younger generation, particularly the kids. It has become an extension of their personalities and is often considered as a symbol of being ‘cool’. Younger generation today likes to remain connected 24/7 with their friends and social circle. They like to update about their own lives and look forward in knowing what is going around in other’s lives. The usage of cell phone by younger generations has resulted in the formation of textual lingos like lol, rofl, ttyl. This new type of text messaging language has become a part of modern culture. The widespread adoption of cell phones among the younger generations also implies their increased adaptability towards modernity, technology and towards the dynamic nature of the environment in which we dwell. Analyze the use of this artifact using your theoretical and empirical concepts/understanding- in terms of how this artifact may facilitate development of children and youth today in the following areas (note not all areas may be directly facilitated by this artifact- choose the ones that are relevant) Many argue that cell phones have severe negativities which adversely affect social and personal lives but one cannot deny the utilities which it provides. Cognitive Contemporary cell phones are equipped with GPS, internet facilities and have such downloadable applications which can provide a lot of learning for the younger generations. Not only would it enhance their cognition levels and would add to their knowledge base as well. Also, it provides a platform for exposure. Cell phones have become a source of learning for youth. Psychosocial Apart from that, in terms of its affects on the psychosocial aspects of the youth, cell phones are known to provide such platforms through which individuals can connect with others and that too, round the clock in any part of the world. Having a social circle or having the means to access online communities contributes towards increased self-esteem and confidence among youth (Ling 11). Cellular phones keep their young owners updated about their surroundings due to which they are more informed, which could potentially impact their decision making skills. No doubt, cell phone is also known to create problems in the society as well. Moral  Many teenagers often misuse the technology. Some youngsters become so engrossed in their cell phones that they become obsessed with it. On the other hand, those who do not have a cell phone or do not have the means to carry a ‘cool cell phone’ become targeted with inferiority complex, which destroys their personalities. In terms of moral building, cell phones have done much harm then benefit to the younger generation, primarily, because youth today has become so materialistic that they often fail to distinguish between what is morally right or wrong. The dynamic of cell phones are under constant change. They certainly have not been around for a very long time, but this technology has left a deep mark on modern culture. Not only it is used by diverse culture across the globe, but has also been widely adopted by youth to an overwhelming degree. No other modern communication gadget has succeeded to alter the ways of everyday life to such an extent, except cellular phones. Bibliography Ling, Richard S. The Mobile Connection: The Cell Phones Impact on Society. San Francisco, CA: Morgan Kaufmann, 2004. Internet resource Read More