Impact of Cell Phones on the Social Relationships Society - Research Paper Example

? Impact of cell phones on the social relationships society al Affiliation Table of Content Chapter One: Introduction ……………………………………………. Chapter Two: Literature Review ………………………………………. Chapter Three: Proposal ………………………………………….. Chapter Four: Theoretical Framework………………… Chapter Five: Research Methods ………………………… Chapter Six: Discussion …………………………….. Chapter Seven: Conclusion …………………………….. References and Annotated Bibliography ………………….. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION Background of the Study The 21st century is best described as an era of technological advancement. This is because there have been innovations of different technologies aimed at ensuring that man performs duties with ease. One of such invention was the development of cell phones. They have proved themselves one of the greatest gifts to the humankind. Nowadays, cell phones have become an indispensable part of man’s lives. Back in the time, owning a mobile phone was a privilege enjoyed by the affluent class in the society. However, with the price reduction and innovations over a period, they are now affordable to the majority in the society. Today, cell phones not just catering for the need of the society, but also serve as a status symbol for many. The origin of the cell phones is traced back to the 1920’s. They were a modification of the radios used by the police since 1921. The idea of cellular phone was developed in 1947 by bell laboratories (ThinkQuest, n.d.). The first real cell phone was made in 1973 by Martin cooper in collaboration with inventors who utilized the idea of car phone (Castells, 2007). They utilized the necessary technology to create a portable cell phone. The structure of the cell phone continues to evolve in terms of size and weight. The world has been transformed through the invention of mobile phones. This has certainly improved the concept of globalization. In fact, the world as it is today is accessible and open to everyone thanks to the invention of cell phones. Cell phones continue to be the most used technological devices today. Moreover, billions of people continue to subscribe to this technology all over the world. In fact, the number of user in the developing countries is on the rise as compared to developed countries (Corbett, 2009). CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW Positive Impacts of the Cell Phone The use of the cell phones has revolutionized the communication industry in an unprecedented way. The world has been turned into one entity using the devices. The first greatest impact of cell phones is the ease of interactions. In today’s society, it is possible to communicate even though distance may separate individuals. Through cell phone, one can interact with the loved ones, either by sharing happiness or problems with them by sending a message. This also eases the other form of communications that are sometimes expensive. Studies carried out shows that sending messages would make a strong bond of interaction between individuals (Fernando, 2007). This is because this service gives individuals enough time to prepare for the communication system as compared to a man-to-man form of communication. Moreover, the rate of messaging continues to grow worldwide. For example, research carried out showed that eighty percent of the people at the age below 45 years used this service (Reid, 2007). This was popular among the teenagers. They concurred to the fact that messaging created strong ties amongst themselves. This category is communication is also more privy as compared to other form of communication. This is because messaging takes places without drawing the attention of other individuals in the society. Moreover, cell phones have played an essential role in the entertainment industry. This is a most notable aspect especially to the young age. It is also possible to get the latest news, and song. One can also download and landscape clippings and animated songs in a cell phone. This means that one is always in contact with the real world. All these accessibilities have led to popularity of cell phones usually among the young generation. In fact, a study, where young respondents were asked what technological device they would prefer if stranded over 50% preferred cell phone as compared to television (Ling, 2000). Additionally, cell phone use has resulted to business growth and development of modern style of commerce. In deed, the telecommunication industry is ever growing due to the increasing demands of handsets and connections. In fact, the numbers of cell phones are much higher compared to the television sets (Campbell & Park, 2008). It is also possible to pay bills using a cell phone at the comfort of ones home. The Negative Impacts of Cell Phones Although the use of cell phones has transformed the world today, yet there are some negative repercussions. Firstly, there has been widespread and uncontrolled access to young children and this result to loss of innocence. Using these devices, they come across obscene and pornographic photographs at a tender age. Moreover, there has been a growth rate of crime using cell phones. The gangs and leaders have ongoing contacts, and thus the possibility of victimizing the target has improved significantly. There has also been the rise of illegal activities whereby victims are conned using a cell phone. On the other hand, the use of the devices is detrimental to human health in a number of ways. Studies carried out shows that mobile emit radioactive radiations in which exposure to the substance leads to the development of cancer (Lai & Hardell, 2011). Other studies show that exposure can reduce the sperm count in males (Lai & Hardell, 2011). According to the World Health Organization (2011), individuals that drive while using cell phones are a threat to pedestrian, fellow drivers or their own lives. The use of mobile phones has also threatened the existence of strong families’ ties. This is evident when individuals are distracted in gatherings by engaging on calling, chatting and even texting (Reid & Fraser, 2007). Research shows that these devices lead to the development of such habits, and it is difficult to overcome the temptations (Castells, Fernandez-Ardevol, Qiu & Sey, 2007). The effects of cell phones are also experienced in learning institutions. Most of the students carry their cell phones to learning institutions. This leads to cheating through access of internet and sending of text messages. CHAPTER THREE: PROPOSAL The Commonly Researched Areas The increasing rate of cell phones usage has led to various researches in various fields of the mobile phones usage. This improvement was a characteristic of the last decade of 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. The researchers have mainly focused various fields. Firstly, the researches conducted include the impacts of the cell phone usage while driving (World Health Organization, 2011). The other areas that the researchers have focused on are the manners in which the cell phones are handled. There has also been a research on the impacts of cell phone cultures and behaviors by Ling in 2004. The other study has focused on the release of radioactive materials by use of cell phones (Lai & Hardell, 2011). There has also been a study on the effects of using cell phones while driving on the community especially pedestrians and other drivers (World Health Organization, 2011). Moreover, there has been a study on the harmful effects on the disposure of cell phones once they become obsolete (Lai & Hardell, 2011). Research Gaps While there has been a considerable amount of research done on the use of cell phones, there exist areas that these researches have failed to point. This has created a vast difference on research carried out on this topic of interest. Firstly, the Research has failed to address the impact of cell phones on social relationships among people. Furthermore, only few researches have been done on the rate of cell phones use between different genders in the society. The few studies carried out have shown that the female gender uses the phone more often for talking and that they have a strong resemblance to their phones as compared to their male counterparts (Economides & Grousopoulou, 2008). However, there has been no research carried out on the duration of time spent on cell phones by the different genders. This study aims at focusing on the impacts of cell phones on the social relationships between individuals. Research Question Firstly, the first most valuable part is to address the relationship that occurs because of cell phones use. Several factors that lead to this relationship between individuals will be considered. As a result, the study will focus on how cell phones strengthen social relationship between individuals. This will be possible through comparison of various empirical studies that have been done. The other essential part highlights the part played by cell phones in weakening the relationship between individuals. As a result, the survey research question will focus on how cell phones undermine social relationship between individuals. Hypotheses of the Study They study hypothesized that frequent cell phone usage on texting, calling and chatting weakens social relationships between individuals in the society. The study also hypothesized that cell phone usage while calling, chatting, browsing, sending messages as well as exchange of photographs strengthen social relationships between people. CHAPTER FOUR: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK There exists a healthy social bond on the usage of cell phones. This is because individuals develop common practices of sharing; coordinating daily family activities, offer remote care and leads in support of social economic connections. Cell phone conversation also strengthens ties among friend and other close contacts through distinctive new forms of interactions (Ling, 2004). Such interactions have been possible through maintenance of calling; chatting, browsing, sending messages, as well as exchange of photographs, strengthen social relationships between people (Ling, 2004). Through these avenues, it is possible to keep a connection even when individuals are located far apart. Moreover, there is enough space for an individual to prepare for the communication process as compared to a face-to-face method. There is also a possibility of sending help in terms of monetary values through cell phones as compared to the days when cell phones were not used. This means in case of an emergency or disaster cell phones help people to assist each other without any form of delay. On the contrary, cell phone usage weakens social relationship between individuals. This is because individuals fall victim of the social aspect of cell phone such as music, playing games, sending messages, and surfing ignoring the physical part of relationship (Ling, 2004). Moreover, the use of cell phones creates an opportunity for withdraw syndromes to individuals with low self-esteem. Moreover, studies show that it is difficult for such people to make new friends. Moreover, the use of mobile phones results to breakdown of families ties. This is because some couples are annoyed when one is texting while they have a serious conversation or when taking a meal. This is because it makes one feel as if they are being ignored in decision making, in the family. Other spouse located away from home feels cell phone communication is enough to make them not to visit home for a long time (Naz, Khan, Daraz & Hussain, 2011). This leads to mistrust and eventually breakdown of such relationships. CHAPTER FIVE: RESEARCH METHODS Quantitative Research Methods The first journal is on whether mobile phones are changing social networks. This study was carried out in Kerala, in India. They conducted a face-to-face interview with all individuals within a given area of the institution. The author travelled with the interviewers to the area and introduced the team to the officials and officers. There was also the inclusion of the enterprises. Different groups of individuals were interviewed in each wave. The samples were stratified depending on the sector. There was also emphasis on gender balance. There was the inclusion of items on the respondent’s core networks and composition, ownership and use of mobile phones, access, and socio-demographic data (Palackal, Mbatia, Dzorgbo, Duque, Ynalvez & Shrum, 2007). From the above information, about 200 variables were generated. The respondents were asked to enumerate names of people they felt were relevant to them. They used a tabular form to establish the relationship, area of contact, frequency and means of communication (Palackal et al., 2007). The next study is on social phenomenon of mobile use in Taiwanese college students. In the study, questionnaires were used to collect data amongst the students (Chen, 2006). The questionnaires included questions, statements and demographic information’s. The survey was administered online. A recruiting entry was sent to Taiwanese college students in different schools. The study was also to be referred to the college peers. Each participant was given a code to avoid duplication. There were 169 participants and participation was unknown and voluntary (Chen, 2006). Qualitative Research Methods The first study is on the qualitative study on Australian youth on how their cell phones affect their interaction. The focus groups were used as the data collection method. There was recruitment of thirty-two participants (13 males and 19 females) aged between 16 and 24 years (Walsha, Whitea & Young, 2008). They were recruited by use of snowballing method. There was the development of a focus group discussion guide before the commencement of the groups. The guide composed general questions on mobile usage. The researchers moderated the focus group sessions and were audio recorded. At the conclusion, the audio tape discussions verbatim were transcribed. They took note of the concepts that were repeated across the groups, and allowed the identification of common concepts (Walsha et al., 2008). Analysis was conducted using qualitative analysis software program. The data was then coded into broad categories of each focusing question. The second study was an analysis of young people’s use of and attitudes towards cell phones. This was done on college students. A qualitative technique was used in data collection. A four focus group interview sessions were conducted with 32 college students who regularly used cell phones (Aoki& Downes, 2003). The interviews were videotaped in their entirety and later transcribed for analysis of data. The design on the session was meant to capture a variety of personal and spontaneous statement about the member’s cell phone usage. Based on the result of focus groups, motivational and attitudinal statements were developed and test constructed. In the questionnaires, there were also behavioral questions. The questions examined the prevalence of calls sent and received, and the length of cell phone usage. Only 137 students completed the questionnaires. Almost half of participants had a cell phone for about two years while others had acquired recently (Aoki& Downes, 2003). CHAPTER SIX: DISCUSSION Firstly, the focus is on the results and findings of quantitative approach. In Taiwanese study, the large mobile phone users agreed they needed to have a mobile phone to keep up with their friends (Chen, 2006). In fact, those addicted to phone use valued their cell phones as essential tools to keep up with their friend than light users who reported less dependence. In addition, the participants agreed that their relationships improved with their friend and families once they began using cell phones. The results also showed heavy mobile phone users meet their friends less. In Kerala study, the average number of relationship involving mobile phones was more than those involving face-to-face interaction (Palackal et al., 2007). However, cell phone interaction is more common but less frequent as compared to face relationships. Nevertheless, cell phone conversation represented a way of keeping in touch for over 80% of all core network ties (Palackal et al., 2007). On a qualitative approach, it emerged that mobile phones have replaced traditional devices of communication. Participants felt reassured as they would be able to use their phones to call others if an emergency arose. They also listed the benefit of using a mobile phone as a convenience due to ease of communication. In general, they agreed that benefits provided by cell phones outweighed the negatives as cell phone is an integral part of their lives (Walsha et al., 2008). In the other study, participants described the importance of cell phones in case of emergency. They also felt that cell phones were economical for long distance communication as compared to landline phones. Others said that cell phones kept them in touch with their friends. Others concurred that keeping in touch with their parents was a basis, for their parents to give them a cell phone (Aoki& Downes, 2003). CHAPTER SEVEN: CONCLUSION It is clear that most of the participants value their mobile phones as a way to improve their relationship with their friend and family. There was a strong trend of the participants using cell phones to gain better relationship with their friends. This means their cell phones acted as a tool of enhancing social capital. In addition, mobile technologies seem to change the nature and frequency of social connections. This in the future will have serious consequences for the development of the social structure. It is also clear that mobile usage is widespread among the youth in various studies carried out. In both qualitative and quantitative analysis, it is clear that cell phone use has replaced almost exclusively other forms of traditional communications. Participants listed the value of cell phone use as security purpose, communication between parents and friend especially amongst the students and maintenance of a long distance relationship. Only a few participants felt that cell phone use led to weakening of sociological relationship ties between individuals. Therefore, this cannot be sufficient reason to discredit the role played by cell phones in communication. In general, they agreed that benefits provided by cell phones outweighed the negatives as cell phone is an integral part of their lives. Therefore, it is true that that cell phone usage while calling, chatting, browsing, sending messages, as well as exchange of photographs strengthen social relationships between people. Lastly, the advancement in cell phone technology has resulted into the change of user attitude towards the technology. This also means that further investigation is required in the field of cell phone use. This will only be possible if enough funds are channeled to the field. References Aoki, K & Downes, E. (2003). An Analysis of Young People’s Use Of And Attitudes Toward Cell Phones. Telematics and Informatics, 20, 349–364 Campbell, S & Park, Y. (2008). Social Implications of Mobile Telephony. Sociology Compass, 2(2). 371–387 The authors address how the use of cell phones has transformed the society. They consider how this affected interaction between different people in the society. The study is well researched and easily accessible. Castells, M. (2007). Communication, Power and Counter-Power in the Network Society. International Journal of Communication, 1, 238-266. Castells, M., Fernandez-Ardevol, M., Qiu, J & Sey, A. (2007). Mobile Communication and Society. A Global Perspective, 33,238-266. Chen, Y. (2006). Social Phenomena of Mobile Phone Use. Retrieved from yfchen@scils.rutgers.edu The author focuses on establishing how Taiwanese value their cell phones as a way to improve their relationship. The author shows on the frequency and rate of use. The article is easily accessible and well researched with supportive quotes. Corbett, A. (2009). Cellular Phones Influence(S) and Impact(S) On Social Interactions and Interpersonal Relationships. Retrieved from http://www.unh.edu/sociology/media/pdfs-journal2009/Corbett2009.pdf The author explores how cell phones have influenced and impacted social interactions and interpersonal relationships. The author shows how this affects family interaction, friend and even individual’s confidence. However, the author has enough supporting evidence. Economides, A. & Grousopoulou, A. (2008). Use of Mobile Phones by Male and Female Greek Students. International Journal of Mobile Communications, 6 (6), 729-749 This study explores on the rate of use of mobile phones between different genders. They also focus on the reason why students use mobile phones. The finding shows that women use cell phones more often than male counterparts do. This study supports other studies carried out on rate of cell phone use amongst women in society. Fernando, Angelo. (2007). If You Text It, They May Come. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ufh&AN=25547883&site=ehostlive. Lai, H & Hardell, L. (2011). Cell Phone Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure and Brain Glucose Metabolism. Jama, 305(8), 828-829. Ling, R. (2000). The Adoption of Mobile Telephony among Norwegian Teens. Retrieved from http://www.telenor.no/fou/program/nomadiske/articles/07.pdf Ling, R. (2004). The Mobile Connection: The Cell Phone’s Impact On Society. San Francisco: Morgan Kaufman Publishers. Naz, A., Khan, W., Daraz, U & Hussain, M. (2011). The Malevolence of Technology. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 1(3). 2222-6990 In this analysis, the authors examine the negative aspects of cell phone use. They assert that this move brings peril to social cohesion. They also address the social economic situation of cell phone use. This article is accessible and easy to understand the content. Palackal, A., Mbatia, P., Dzorgbo, D., Duque, R., Ynalvez, M & Shrum, W. (2007). Are Mobile Phones Changing Social Networks? New Media & Society. 3, 1-20. DOI: 10.1177/1461444810393900 The authors focus on how use of cell phones affects the establishment and maintenance of social ties. The study focuses on Kerala state in India. They argue that new information and communication technologies played a role in location structure of social networks. These findings seem to contradict other findings on the social aspect. Reid, J & Fraser, M. (2007). Text or Talk? CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10(3). 424-435. ThinkQuest. (N.d.). Cell Phone History. Retrieved from http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/02001/home.htm Walsha,S., Whitea, K & Young, R. (2008). Over-Connected? A Qualitative Exploration of the Relationship between Australian Youth and Their Mobile Phones. Journal of Adolescence, 31, 77–92. The authors focus on how Australians youth especially student are affected by use of cell phone. They focus on social, financial and emotional outlook on using a cell phone. The article is well researched and full of helpful documentation. World Health Organization. (2011). Mobile Phone Use: A Growing Problem of Driver Distraction. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/publications/road_traffic/distracted_driving_summary.pdf The authors in this work address the threat posed by distracted driving to road safety. They address the effects of large population having access to mobile phone. They argue that the problem is likely to intensify in the future. The findings show that use of cell phone while driving is a serious threat in the 21st century. Read More