Does Using Cell Phones Make People More or Less Connected - Assignment Example

Does using cell phones make people more or less connected? The society has relied on interpersonal interaction from time immemorial. This has been reliant on communication among individuals, communities and even across the world. When we talk about connectivity, it should be noted that knowing another person for various reasons and circumstances is the focus. Ancient time was characterized by various modes of connectivity which was limited to distance and geographical location. This was before the emergence of the explosive information communication technology which has completely transformed the society. One technological aspect in information and communication is the invention of cell phone (Turkle 54-7). Through critical analysis it is possible to ascertain whether cell phone has brought positive effect in connectivity or otherwise. To achieve this objective, it would be important to discuss various factors that surround this contemporary technology and the ethical concerns attached to it. Cell phone influence in the level of connectivity cuts across a larger scope of the society by incorporating various individuals and institutions. The business community has employees, managers, customers and other stakeholders who need to interact for various reasons. People in their social desires need to interact with others and share ideas band requires increased connectivity. Various governments need to share important information on foreign policies, trade and other relevant diplomatic agendas. All these require connectivity. Prior to invention of cell phone, there was significant difficulty and inefficiency in connectivity. It is also worth noting that other connectivity technology included stationary telephone booths which required one to restrict communication on such locations. Cell phones have a sophisticated technology with the ability to save various contacts which can readily be retrieved and used for communication. This makes it easy to continuously communicate with people even after physical distance. This has made it easier to meet one in a short while just take his/her contact and call later. In this regard, cell phone has significantly boosted connectivity with convenience. The cell phones are also referred to mobile phones since they are portable and can be carried anywhere by the user. This means that communication can be done anywhere any time if the environment allows and network is available. In this respect, there has been increased communication between people which gradually improves how deep to know each other. This is a different case if people were still using other forms like telephone booth with limited time and waiting time which restricted one to precise and short conversation (Turkle 73-5). The cost of cell phone acquisition and subsequent maintenance through purchase of airtime is relatively cheap. This has made it more convenient and efficient in terms of connectivity across various people. This has seen all age groups starting with small children through middle age and older people owning cell phones and communicating. This has been a motivational factor behind the increased use of cell phone which has expanded the geographical coverage and number of people one can interact with. The cell phone ownership has also disobeyed age factor which significantly boost interaction across age groups in the society. Cell phone has text message application which offers more opportunity and an alternative avenue of communication. This has made it attractive in terms for detailed communication. Text messaging has made many people to communicate in privacy and even convey intimate information. This has boosted the morale of the users in terms of increased communication in which one get to know about another person’s detailed personal life. As far as sharing of information is concerned, through text messages people are able to discover more things about others which may be helpful in terms of career development and other important socio-economic concepts. The cell phone network covers the entire world and it easier to call people in various parts of the globe. This promotes instant communication in which critical information is shared and immediate remedial measures for various issues can be solved. In most cases cell phone can make one link to many people in geographically dispersed locations and this significantly increases rate of connectivity. Cell phones are used as the primary mode of contact in job market where prospective employers interact with employees and share important information. Such communication promotes connectivity which exposes one on how to communicate with various personalities hence improving interpersonal skills. It is easier to ask for a contact of unknown identity and address specific issues even if no physical meeting had been done. This is an aspect of cell phone that has played a central role in promoting connectivity with people of various socio-economic and political affiliations. The business community has been a major beneficiary of cell phone use and this has indirectly increased level of connectivity between various people. Several firms undertake advertisement by sending text messages on how to contact them for enquiries and this helps customers and other stakeholders to chat and text the given cell phone contact which end up in personal interaction and good relations. Through this method, connectivity has increased between people and promoted social interaction across cultures. Some cell phones can upload photos and pictures of people and even show who is calling. This brings the essence of closeness which is critical in the increased rate of connectivity. In the event of emergency, there are cases where people seek help through phone calls which degenerate to advanced relationships (Hanson 84-9). This extends ones connectivity horizon which has put cell phone at the centre of societal interest. As one connects with other people, the friends and relatives also get connected through extended interaction like in the event of referral. This is common where one has a problem that may be solved by a particular expert. In such incidences, the victim may seek the help of a relative to help with contact which translate to additional link with another person. This has been a significant influence of cell phone technology and has really boosted the level of social integration through connectivity. Random messages that are sent by various groups in the society towards recruitment attracts many people to one’s friendship list and is mostly done by cell phone through cell phone text message hence its relevance in boosting connectivity. The effect of globalization has significantly changed the socio-economic and political structure of the society. Significant emphasis has been put on communication as the driving factor behind increased global interaction and business strategies. Cell phone has proved to be a critical tool of marketing which has led to more innovations on it to achieve such goals. It is common to find that most cell phones now have applications that are internet enabled. This has come with more connectivity opportunities through social networking sites like Facebook, twitter among others. Social networking sites are the major interactive avenues for institutions and individuals and remain the subject of discussion around the world (Pappano 45-8). With the easy access of such social networking sites in cell phones has exponentially expanded the links among people. Facebook provides a lot of personal details which attracts diverse interest from different people in which the probability of interaction is boosted. In most cases, people who live in different parts of the world are able to share personal experiences on various issues in life from health, education, employment and politics. This has made many people meet new friends at the comfort of their cell phones thereby increasing the size of connectivity. Most companies now resort to Facebook and twitter to advertise their products in which many people get to know them. It is important to note that even organizations get to know unexploited potential from prospective employees and customers. Cell phones have replaced commuters in terms of portability since the aps they have now proves important in the overall communication related issues required in the society. Various peer groups can interact with others online through their individual cell phones. Cell phone has been found to be effective in real time communication in the corporate world where managers and workers interact direct. This has made significant growth in need for cell phones a clear indicator of how people enjoy increased connectivity (Hanson 67-9). Despite the evident increased connectivity gained by cell phone use, it has some ethical challenges. The problem of privacy has evoked debate on the use of cell phone in a bid to increase connectivity. When people communicate on phone, they may sometimes be exposing private matters which are counterproductive to the reason behind the communication. It is a matter of comparative analysis in which cell phone remains the greatest tool of connectivity among other modes. Considering all the surrounding factors, it is worth to conclude that cell phone has gained much prominence among the communication tools in the world. It has significantly enhanced connectivity among people and promoted social integration across the diverse global cultures. The evident increase in social linkages of various people asserts the fact that using cell phones make people more connected. Work cited Turkle, Sherry. Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other. , 2012. Print. Pappano, Laura. The Connection Gap: Why Americans Feel so Alone. New Brunswick, N.J: Rutgers University Press, 2001. Print. Hanson, Jarice. 24/7: How Cell Phones and the Internet Change the Way We Live, Work, and Play. Westport, Conn: Praeger, 2007. Print. Read More