How Have Cell Phones Changed Our Society - Research Paper Example

Research Methods & Report Writing   RESEARCH REPORT    1. Name:  2. Title: Cell phones. How have they changed us socially? 3. Research Objectives  The research question was; - How has cell phones changed our society? The research objectives were: i. To discover the positive impacts of cell phones in our society. ii. To discover the negative effects of cell phones in the society. iii. To assess the level of positive versus negative impacts in the society. iv. To find out solutions for any negative impacts arising in the society resulting from cell phones invention. 4. Background & Literature review  Cell phones were introduced into the human society in 1940s, although the early mobile phones were bulky. The devices are known to have consumed high power, and just a few conversations could be supported by the network. The mobile telephone service improved in 1964. The first mobile phone generation improved the technology in mobile phones and came in with the usage of multiple cells. The multiple cells could transfer calls from, and to different sites. The second generation of mobile phones in the 1990s also came with digital networks instead of using analog transmission. This era saw the invention of prepaid cell phones, which were rather fast. Texting messages or SMS communication was also invented at this time, and has become the most common and preferred mode of communication among teens and the youths. Advertising through the mobile phones was also invented during this period, and launched for the first time in Finland in 2000. The third generation came with the invention of IP data networks which were so fast, and it was also characterised by mobile broadband. The use of 2G mobile phones became widespread and, part of human life. The fourth and the present generation of mobile phones is characterised by cell phones, which have All- IP networks. Voice calls are treated like other streaming audio media, and packet switching is utilised over internet, WAN or LAN networks via VoIP. Cell phones have dominated the contemporary social world, almost becoming a necessity instead of a luxury like it was in the 1980s (Geser 3). In the 1990s, it was the voice calls which dominated the mobile phones, but with the new generation, data services are incredibly common and mostly used by young people (Geser 4). Many social aspects and policies have changed with the changes in mobile phones accessibility and advancement, and this has distorted the social order. Physical proximity and stable dwelling places have continuously been shaping the evolution of life on earth. With the increasing population and technological advancement, having stable dwelling places as well as maintaining physical proximity, has become impossible. Since communication is a vital aspect in human society, technological advancement came up with mobile phones, to help curb the problem of communication between persons across distances (Haddon 5). Research has shown that, indeed cell phones have played an incredible role in the human social life by aiding communication, providing information through the internet, and promoting socialization which is a vital aspect in human, social life. Sociologists, however, have discovered that, mobile phones are not only pleasant and a source of entertainment, but they also have devastating effects on the social life (Haddon 5). A national survey from Harris interactive and CTIA on the use of mobile phones in 2006 shows that ,almost 47% of teenagers in the United States feel that their life would be worsened, or would end if they did not have their mobile phones, while 57% associate their mobile phones with improvement in lifestyle (Harris interactive 2). Cell phones aid human interactions according to James Katz, who also maintains that, a cell phone is a universal interpersonal communication device (3). Americans’ use of mobile phones is compared to their mobility. Typical Americans aged between 18 and 65 uses more than 75 minutes in a day for personal travel. Their social nature gives them a desire to keep in touch with others, hence their mobile nature. Because of combining mobility and sociability, United States registered 25 million cell phone subscribers in 1995(Katz 10). Cell phones enable people to have choices in their lives, while at the same time, restricting them (Katz 10). Cell phones enable individuals to learn about others in the ambient world, and at the same time, it allows one to make aware his activities to others in different regions. Cell phones have first order effects in social life. For example, they reduce the uncertainty of a situation in case of proximity distance, since people can call and confirm what they need to know. Teens in the United States value their cell phones as only second to clothing and as a chief aspect in their social life (Harris Interactive 4). Cell phones provide entertainment according to 52% of Teens, and security to about 80% (Harris Interactive 3). When one has a cell phone, one can get information about the well being of family members, and an individual can be able to call for help in case of an emergency (Geser 4). Studies show that the key reason why most people obtain cellular phones is security concerns (Haddon 9). However, cell phones also give false sense of security. In this way, mobile phones invade the behaviour and daily routine of social actors, creating coordination, and hence the movement from the unexpected to the expected, and from the extraordinary to the mundane. The use of cell phones has enhanced solidarity, an indication of concern and commitment. It has also helped in articulating nearness, love compassion and sympathy. Short and frequent calls which are informative help in information strengthening, maintenance of strong bonds, as aresult of the reassurances they create and reinforce (Geser 12). Cell phones are efficient since they make it possible for people to gain more output for equal units of input. Cell phones have also reduced on the socialization part causing alienation of social actors in society instead of promoting socialization. A cell phone increases interactions with the familiar people while reducing it with unfamiliar people even if they are nearer in proximity than the familiar ones (Katz 15). People are always on their cell phone while on the streets, a common site in New York and Hong Kong, or when travelling and they rarely talk to their neighbours. Some behaviour, while receiving calls in public are also unbecoming and, they end up disrupting social order. Some people talk loudly on the phone, and they may even use abusive and vulgar language, which is not accepted among the morals of a society. Incessant chirrup beepers are also annoying especially if someone is in the middle of broad band performance. Stalkers are also a liability in the modern world of cell phones since they can make a person’s life unbearable especially if threats are being issued and the issuer is not known or, constant messages and calls from an unknown person unwilling to give identity. Cell phones are known to play a vital part in fatal motor accidents. Using cell phones impairs driving. A British study found out that, using mobile phones while driving gives the drivers slower reaction coordination as compared to drunk drivers. Drivers who use cell phones while driving find it difficult to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. The rates of accidents occurring as a result of using mobile phones while driving, have led to banning of the practice in many countries, including the US, with varying penalties and fines. Cell phones use has affected the society both negatively and positively, as discussed. 5. Methodology Qualitative research methodology was used to obtain data for this research project and reach the research findings. Qualitative research methodology was preferred in order to have the freedom to focus on the natural setting, to discover and understand the meanings people attach to the use of cell phone and the changes it has brought to the society (Woods 5). I used open ended questionnaires, interviews, and participant observation research designs (Bryman and Bell 75) to come up with the findings about how cell phones have changed the society. My research was done on the general population aged from 13 to 65 years old, because cell phones are common to all people, though the usage differ. The interviews were done in work places, learning institutions, homes and even in the streets to widen the scope of the research. I gave out questionnaires randomly in order to get different views from different people differing in age, education, occupation and even experience with the cell phones. The respondents were free to leave out their names, but were required to mention their age, occupation, education level and even their experiences with cell phones. Participant observation helped me to have a first hand experience and from other people points of view (Flick 222). Participant observation also helped me to do my research silently obtaining both the objective and subjective points of view towards cell phones and the change they bring about in society (Vanderstoep and Dierder 200). I employed these research designs in order to discover whether cell phones have brought change in society, to find out the positive and negative effects brought in the society by cell phones, and to find out how, if any, negative effects can be reduced effects. 6. Results  Through the qualitative research, method and research designs I found out that indeed, cell phones have changed the society (Katz 10). The change in the society as a result of the cell phone is both negative and positive to the human actors and social organization (Gesser 12). Cell phones in one way have improved socialization, but, on the other hand, they have also encouraged alienation. This is because cell phones are key tools of socialization, yet, with unfamiliar people, most people tend to concentrate so much on their phones instead of getting to know their neighbours (Katz 15). Most social changes caused by the cell phones have two sides in them; a positive and a negative effect to the social actors and social organizations. During the research, i found out that communication has been made easier by the mobile phones by increasing efficiency and reliability (Katz 16). This also has a negative effect in that, human actors have lost autonomy and control over themselves since other people can easily get hold of them any time. 80% of the population believe that cell phones are a source of security as people can get reassurance of the well being of their loved ones and call for help in case of emergencies and danger (Geser 5). However, they can also be a source of insecurity by people making hoax calls and causing apprehension, as well as stalkers using cell phones to issue threats and nag people (Katz 16). The research found out that, with the coming of cell phones accessing somebody who is on transit is possible hence reliability and efficiency. This makes drivers to use their cell phones while driving, and it has been known to cause drastic motor accidents in or societies. The advantage of being accessible while on transit is overshadowed by the fact that using a mobile phone when driving is a risk to one’s life. Cell phones are vital sources of information from advertisements and the internet. The data broad band help people get the information they need and acquire knowledge, and it is also a source of entertainment for many teenagers (Harris interactive 2). These sources of information, however, expose the teenagers to many vices like phonographic sites, which significantly influence their behaviour. The cell phones encourage peer pressure as all the teen want to copy the behaviour which is seen as superior like drug abuse even when it is hazardous to their lives. Conclusion  Based on the research findings, evidence shows that cell phones have changed people’s social lives. This change is both beneficial as well hazardous to the society. The change affects the human actors’ behaviour, their social organizations, and social order, either negatively, or positively. The cell phones build or demolish social interactions and relations, enhance social order or create social disorder in social institutions. To encourage and enhance social interactions and relations, social order, and build social institutions, rules and regulations governing cell phone use should be put in place and implemented.    Work Cited. Bryman, Allan, and Emma, Bell. Business research methods. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford, 2011. Print. Flick, Uwe. An introduction to qualitative research. 4th ed. 2009, London: Sage Publications, 2009. Print. Geser Hans: Towards a Sociological Theory of the Mobile Phone. Sociology of mobile phones in Switzerland, March 2004. Web. 28 March 2012. Haddon, Leslie. The Social Consequences of Mobile Telephony: Framing. Oslo: University of Surley, 2000. Print. Harris interactive. Cell phones key to teens’ social lives, 475 can text with eyes closed. Harris interactive, 23 September 2008. Web. 28 March 2012. Katz, James. Connections, social and cultural studies of the telephone in American life. London: Transaction publishers, 1999. Print. Vanderstoep, Scott, and Johnson, Deirdre. Research methods for everyday life: Blending qualitative and quantitative approaches. San Francisco: Jossey- Bass, 2009. Print. Woods, Peter. Qualitative research. Buckingham: The Open University press, 2006. Print.     Appendices Research has shown that sexting, which is sending, and exchanging sexually uninhibited messages through the cell phone is common in both the teenage social actors and adult social actors in the society. Recording and sending suggestive and candid photos and videos have risen especially among the young people. A photo exchanged between two people has a high risk of becoming a viral happening. Photos and videos thought to have been sent confidently are likely to be shared with other people. Sexting is illegal under law, but 51% of teenage girls claim they send explicit messages because of force from guys, while only 18% of teenage boys say so. Cell phones encourage promiscuity in society through sexting. Accessed from http://www.squidoo.com/cell_phone_service Read More