Influence of the Cell Phones Technology on Social Life - Research Paper Example

Cell Phones: How have they changed us socially? Introduction: Social change is described as the alteration in social order of the society. One of the most technological changes which have influenced the society exponentially is the enveloping influence of the cell phones. In the last decades or so the rise and rise of the most authoritative invention of our generation, the cell phones, has literally swayed us all along with it, whether we wished it or not. Today it is not a matter of one’s usage or liking of the device, it has engulfed our lives completely and from every aspect a life without cell phone is simply not complete. From any event happening live, to the breaking news anywhere in the world, from bank transfers to insurances, from classrooms to bedrooms, every nook and corner is covered and talked about, in this era of our beloved cell phones. Cell phones have changed, or more correctly said, given a new definition to the world ‘Social Communication’. A youth of yester years might have an understanding of something else as called a social gathering or network but a youth of today cannot describe it in any other way then communicating through his cell phone. It is learned from reputable sources that the audience of cell phone, more commonly called as smart phones, has exceeded the 1 billion mark in 2012, and it expected that it will almost double by the end of next year (eMarketer, 2014). Although, the advent on cell phones has affected every norm of the human population, but it is learned through studies that adolescents are the most devoted user all over the world. This thesis is going to argue not only how the use of cell phone has changed our lives socially but also how broad its spectrum is on our family and friends relations, and how it has given us a totally new social identity. Globalization has erupted and engulfed all the humanity within its clutches by the over powering social-nature of the cell phones. Cell phones are most commonly used for SMSs, gaming, social networking, blogging, photographing, pinning, recording and sharing almost all of the on-going events no matter how insignificant they are. They most common uses of a cell phone are; Short Messaging Service (SMS) Short Messaging Service (SMS) messaging service is a form of messaging service in which messages are being sent back and forth via cell phones. It is convenient and affordable manner of communication. Individuals, mostly adolescents, have invented a new text messaging language in which they have devised new acronyms by which they are able to communicate without writing the whole tiresome conversation, an entire sentence can easily be replaced by a couple of letters. “Texting” also is a secretive method of communication, where students and kids find it very handy to have an un- interrupted conversation with their friends without the knowledge of their parents and teachers. Nokia has conducted a survey in 2001 worldwide, where it was learned that 45% of adolescents and 80% of adults use SMS as the most used feature of their mobile sets (Addo, 2013). Tangential Features Cell phones are often used for its tangential or secondary features as well, mostly by the younger generation. Features like gaming, picture and video sending (MMS), wall paper and ring tones downloading, camera and radio features, mobile entertainment, personal contacts, alarm clock, calculators and location devices as well. In some instances these secondary features some times become more appealing then the primary features, they are used to make the cell phone a very personalized item which one can be very attached to, they also relieve you of the boredom and gives you relaxation yet gives connectivity with a personal creative touch ( Nasrullah, 2009). Mobile Internet The key feature of a cell phone nowadays is the use of internet on our cell phones, and with the innovation of wi-fi technology along with the smart (cell) phones, this feature has become an epidemic. Nobody, simply nowhere on this earth can survive without it now, or so it seems. It has shortened all the distances to suffocating lengths. It has also evolved the social networking to globalized proportions, networking sites such as Facebook, twitter; etc has given birth to a new norm, where everyone involved is almost physically located in more than one place. This also includes the exchange of emails and all sorts of written legalized documents being sent and received in just a click. Communication via internet has become cheaper, reliable, authentic and sometimes, only source of communication. The advent of smart (cell) phones with an internet connection (via wi-fi or internet service provider) has become the need of the moment and it is surely here to stay. The Social Impact; Cell phones are invented and used keeping in mind its social utilization. It helps to create an interactive, informative, responsible society. A society which can participate on social platforms; converge, focus and debate one’s right. Cell phones can even assist in promoting democracy, since everyone is connected, via cell phones, anywhere and anytime, they can voice their concern about a certain event after only a second lapse of occurrence. People can easily vote and vouch for their political parties and take part in any revolutionary referendums right from the comfort of their homes (SIPA, 2007). Cell phones have affected the educational system as well. Since it has become a very common communicating device, its other features like texting, note pads and recordings has eliminated the requirements of physical note making. Teachers also have an advantage of giving and receiving instructions, notes and research papers via the cell phones. An entire class, no matter where they are at a given time, can be informed about a test, class assignment or gatherings, in only one click. However, student can establish a channel among themselves without have any insight of their parents and teachers. The impact of cell phones on our personal lives is notable too. It has given us more mobility, activity, individuality, self confidence, connectivity and showed us the true meaning of time management and utilization of one’s resources well. It has also increased personal productivity; we are available for communication and decision making no matter where we are in the world, we can easily communicate, send or receive emails, make transactions via our mobiles no matter how many miles away from our offices we are. Younger generation nowadays seems to have no life without their personal cell phones, a study shows that they cannot imagine a single day without their beloved phones, which shows a certain lack of self esteem; they are dependent on their phones for lots of different things like boredom, gaming, constant accessibility and amusement (Addo, 2013). People often store sensitive personal data on their cell (smart) phones, personal contact addresses and no. ,emails, messages, passwords, social networking (open)sites, navigations and locations, and since a lot of transactions are made easy through smart phones, these information about one’s personal accounts is a sensitive issue too, that’s why a cell phone should be handled very carefully and confidentially. Conclusion This paper has discussed the way cell phones has affected our lives in shaping, promoting, and connecting. It has completely changed the face of social institutions via extensive communication and entertainment skills. It is also established through this paper how an alert and responsible adolescent who by using this device can actively take part in shaping and developing the political and economical reforms. It has not only brought the whole world together, it has opened our eyes towards our own responsibilities as active citizens. In addition to all the above mentioned advantages of cell phones, it is our duty to utilize each and every form of technology for the betterment of mankind. There are some disadvantages associated with the misuse of this device as well, such as; the number of accidents has increased because of texting while driving, kidnapping, threatening, making illicit MMSs and making and sharing porn pictures and videos are some of the main concerns which are associated with the wrong use of the cell phones. It is our cumulative and, better still, ‘social’ obligation to stop ourselves, our friends and society in general from these crimes. (NCPC, 2014) In the long run, we have to keep updating ourselves in research about the future use, advantages and disadvantages of this device and what it will bring to our future generations, their relationships and health benefits or effects. It is an ever-evolving technology and in its short life until now it has evolved exponentially that’s why we have to keep a very close watch on how it is affecting our social and cultural boundaries. And as responsible adults we should keep investigating the attitudes, use and misuse of this socially accepted device. Cell phones are no doubt the biggest and most profound tool of our time and it has made the whole world ‘a social hub’. Work Cited Addo, Augustine. Original Research Paper; The adoption of mobile phone: How has it changed us socially? Accepted 7th July, 2013. Web April 22, 2014. Columbia School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA); "New Media and Development Communication." Web April 22, 2014 eMarketer; Smart Phones User Worldwide, Jan 2014,Web April 22, 2014 National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC); Cell phone safety, Web April 22, 2014 Nurullah, Abu Sadat Acedmia.edu, Cell phone as an agent of Social Change, Paper, August 2009, Web April 22, 2014. Read More