From their introduction into human social spheres years ago, to their present condition, one can assume that those who invented the ‘cell phone’ never expected it to evolve into the technological phenomena that it is today.
Yes, the word “phenomena” can be viewed to be extreme in describing this tool of communication, but it is undoubtedly appropriate. The cell phone has become ubiquitous, in that it is widely present in society today.
The main purpose of the cell phone was to enable users to have a more convenient way of communicating with people, thus providing portable telecommunication, or what we call ‘on the go’ communication. However, this has dramatically changed over the years. The cell phone not only provides a means of telecommunication, its ‘technological evolution’ has made it so much more. In its comprehensive list of functions the cell phone now provides its users with: telecommunication; internet connectivity; radio streaming; music playback (similar to that of the I-pod); digital camera features; video recording and reception. They also conduct similar functions to that of the PDA (personal digital assistant). Convergence of different technologies has caused the cellular phone to become a multimedia device. Some mobiles can even be described as ‘smart phones’!
The shift in the services and functions of the cell phone has brought with it several social implications. One implication is that certain groups in society believe they cause “public disturbance” due to their use without the use of correct etiquette. Another social implication of the cell phone is the introduction by governments in forming mobile phone laws which include bans on cell phone usage whilst driving. These bans show how vastly cell phones have penetrated the lives of people and thus that they must be regulated. The cellular phone has provided continuous social connectivity, in that one can now be in touch with friends and loved ones more easily and affordably. We can, send and check our email anytime and anywhere; send a text message via SMS (short message service); use instant messaging or simply make a call. Cell phones are sometimes seen as fashion accessories especially in adolescent circles. It has also been argued that cell phones may have privacy issues as they can gather intimate data about us, to the extent that hackers can find out a great deal about us and our communication channels. They have changed the way people budget and spend their money. Cell phone bills are now included in their budgets, thus having economic implications as well.
The argument above has shown how the mobile phone has penetrated every facet of the social world. Its impact on the way we communicate is just beginning. Years from now this generation will marvel at its unimaginable metamorphosis! The cellular phone…a modern day phenomenon! Is this statement really true or an exaggeration of fact?
Yes, the word “phenomena” can be viewed to be extreme in describing this tool of communication, but it is undoubtedly appropriate. The cell phone has become ubiquitous, in that it is widely present in society today.
The main purpose of the cell phone was to enable users to have a more convenient way of communicating with people, thus providing portable telecommunication, or what we call ‘on the go’ communication. However, this has dramatically changed over the years. The cell phone not only provides a means of telecommunication, its ‘technological evolution’ has made it so much more. In its comprehensive list of functions the cell phone now provides its users with: telecommunication; internet connectivity; radio streaming; music playback (similar to that of the I-pod); digital camera features; video recording and reception. They also conduct similar functions to that of the PDA (personal digital assistant). Convergence of different technologies has caused the cellular phone to become a multimedia device. Some mobiles can even be described as ‘smart phones’!
The shift in the services and functions of the cell phone has brought with it several social implications. One implication is that certain groups in society believe they cause “public disturbance” due to their use without the use of correct etiquette. Another social implication of the cell phone is the introduction by governments in forming mobile phone laws which include bans on cell phone usage whilst driving. These bans show how vastly cell phones have penetrated the lives of people and thus that they must be regulated. The cellular phone has provided continuous social connectivity, in that one can now be in touch with friends and loved ones more easily and affordably. We can, send and check our email anytime and anywhere; send a text message via SMS (short message service); use instant messaging or simply make a call. Cell phones are sometimes seen as fashion accessories especially in adolescent circles. It has also been argued that cell phones may have privacy issues as they can gather intimate data about us, to the extent that hackers can find out a great deal about us and our communication channels. They have changed the way people budget and spend their money. Cell phone bills are now included in their budgets, thus having economic implications as well.
The argument above has shown how the mobile phone has penetrated every facet of the social world. Its impact on the way we communicate is just beginning. Years from now this generation will marvel at its unimaginable metamorphosis! The cellular phone…a modern day phenomenon! Is this statement really true or an exaggeration of fact?
3 comments:
Very good blog. Cellphones have become a very much a part of us as though they are an extended limb, that does need recharging once in a while.
People have ended up being servants to this technology as they are attached to their cellphones and their life is dependent on this. This shows our great need to always be intouch and reachable. Though it may show our fear of being out of touch, not only in a communication spher but in a popular culture sphere
Cellphones have become an integral part our lives and have both advantages and disadvantages. Its a good thing that the government have banned the use of cellphones while driving because that have cost lots of people their lives. Cellphones are also good because they allow us to communicate with loved ones over distance and for some serve as a status or fashion statement.
Cellphones makes the world turn. They are not only a form of communication but so many things can be done through the use of a cellphone including access to the internet. A cellphone is no longer a want but it is certainly a neccessity. I honestly dont see how the world will operate without the use of cellphone. We make it through the day through it use. As much it has disadvantages but i think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
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