Corporate hacking - can employers stop their employees?

By: Jeanine Haenel

Technological progress is like an ax in the hands of a pathological criminal. -Albert Einstein

Corporate hacking is much more prevalent today than it was 10 years ago.  The abilities of even the "average" person have increased and they are able to get information that they may not have had before.  Companies are cautious on who they hire and trust.  Companies now have to hire, not only on the skills and experience of the potential employee but they must also consider their psychological and criminal history.  But, how do they get this information easily and ethically?  

The article, Methods for evaluating and effectively managing the security behavior of employees by Hu, Xu, Dinev, and Ling in 2011 states, "The 2008 CSI Computer Crime and Security Survey shows that 44% of respondents reported insider abuse of computer systems, making it the second most frequent form of security breach, only slightly behind virus incidents (49%), but well above the 29% of respondents who reported unauthorized access from external sources."  By taking extra precaution on who is allowed to access their confidential information, corporations can certainly control some of the potential abuse they would have to rectify later on.

In a survey of IT managers of global companies, 60% of the respondents said employee misconduct involving information systems is a top concern.  Employee information security policy violations vary widely because the motives, forms, and targets are different with each employee.  An information security policy violation is defined as any act by an employee using computers that is against the established rules and policies of an organization for personal gains.  Individuals with low self-control are more likely to give into the temptation. This is because low self-control leads to higher levels of perceived extrinsic benefits and perceived intrinsic benefits, which in turn strongly influence the intention to commit policy violations.

Employers previously thought that deterrence would be effective, however the results of this study suggest it may not be enough.  So, what can an employer do? There are two options they may follow: lowering the perceived benefits of committing the violations, and screening applicants with a high level of self-control and strong moral beliefs for sensitive positions.  To lower the perceived benefits, companies can take a number of proactive actions to reduce the perceived value of the data assets in the corporate information systems.  To screen applicants, employers can use psychometric instruments to ensure that only those who are strong on self-control and have high morals are assigned to sensitive positions.

Employers must use caution when using the results of this study.  The findings are based on a data sample from a population with a unique Eastern culture where the concept of following rules and policies may be very different than Western cultures.  Finally, the small number of organizations where the surveys were administered could bias the data as well.  A follow-up would be to replicate this study in multiple countries with various cultures using random samples that cover a large number of organizations.

References

Technology Quotes. (n.d.). Quoteland.com - Quotations on Every Topic, by Every Author, and in Every Fashion Possible. Retrieved February 10, 2012, fromhttp://www.quoteland.com/topic/Technology-Quotes/141/

Hu, Q., Xu, Z., Dinev, T., & Ling, H. (2011). Methods for evaluating and effectively managing the security behavior of employees. Communications of the ACM,54(6), 54-60. doi: 10.1145/ 1953122.195314

My teacher is the Pink Elephant with Purple spots ….which one is yours?

Is it possible for technology to bridge a communication gap, or replace common day teaching techniques that would allow schools to broaden their horizons? Apparently so, thanks to Second Life.

Second Life is online mass multiplayer environment, that is real life, real time, and can simulate any environment you can possibly imagine. Educators across the globe are beginning to use this platform as a way to enhance, and offer a more realistic classroom experience to distance learners. The benefits seem to exist by allowing for more of a group feel, along with open ideology, and enhanced class participation. Learning via distance is an unusual take on traditional studies, and what we are really just now starting to understand in a world full of new technology.

 “Educators say Second Life is an effective teaching tool in part because it provides a social laboratory where role-playing, simulations, exploration, and experimentation can be tried out in a relatively risk-free environment.”, (Graves, Lucia 2008). Seriously? How effective can this be? Well, being that these days you can take an entire course, and earn an entire degree online, how “out there” really is this idea of hosting an online classroom? What would the harm be in allowing the group to meet together, at least it’s some sort of gathering to discuss ideas and a chance to actually give the feeling of communication and “group”. This sense of belonging seems to be lost with distance learning when using just the normal technology available; email, instant message etc.

             Perhaps learning is even at an advantage in the Second Life world? According to Diehl and Prins, “…active participation and virtual travels in SL also enhanced Residents’ intercultural literacy as they connected with other geographically dispersed participants…participation fostered use of multiple languages, cross-cultural encounters and friendships, greater awareness of insider cultural perspectives, and openness towards new viewpoints ” (Diehl, Prins  2008).I suppose in a place like the Midwest, where there is no ethnic mix, somesort of cultural  stir that would encourage this type of relationship building should be encouraged.

A classroom is always a great place for building those good friendships, at least they are when you are young and happily skipping off to your kindergarten class. But what about the issues? Those same online issues that we face on our other online pieces of life, hacking, bad people, or just people being people that can get in the way? It is very apparent that no matter where we head with technology there are always going to be intruders. “Ohio University had to temporarily close its island when a virtual gunman began shooting other visitors,” (Graves, Lucia 2008).

Way cool that my teacher can be anything, or anyone… and my classmates and I can meet anywhere in the world, or I guess anywhere imaginable together. Yeah, maybe some loser comes in and decides to do something nuts, but I’m beginning to think that’s all over and not just in Second Life. For a Communication Technology, SL is pretty cool…

-Ann R.

References:

Graves, L., MacFabe, (2008). US News and World Report: Vol. 144 Issue 2, p49.

Diehl, W., Prins, E. (2008) Language and Intercultural Communication.

Volume 8, Issue 2, 2008 Special Issue: Intercultural Literacies. doi:10.1080/14708470802139619

The Information Highway...On the Highway?

“Have you driven a hotspot lately?” (McLaughlin, 2011). In many ways, the technological advancements in automotive media devices seem to lag behind other industries. Companies like Ford, GM, and Audi plan to change that. Since the release of OnStar in General Motors vehicles, consumers have grown more accustomed to having an increased level of safety and convenience offered at the touch of a button in their car. In recent months, manufacturers have found ways to improve on such systems, allowing a much more versatile mobile media experience from the driver’s seat.


According to McLaughlin (2011), broadband mobile devices like OnStar or Ford’s SYNC system can be upgraded to offer WiFi capabilities for about $25 per vehicle. With such a low cost, why not offer this valuable feature to the consumer? American manufacturers are not the only ones offering WiFi. Last year, Audi stepped up to the plate. Going above and beyond Ford and GM’s LAN options, Audi WiFi is claiming speeds upward of 7 Mbits/sec from a mobile 4G hotspot.

For some, this technology is a hard sell, and many industry professionals are questioning the safety and security of the hotspots. Manufacturers have answered the safety issue by only allowing the hotspots to be active while the vehicle is in park, keeping wandering eyes from surfing the internet while driving. Security is a greater challenge. McLaughlin (2011) reports that most rogue access points are not the work of hackers, but are usually a result of employees setting up an access point by mistake. Unfortunately, a vehicle sitting in the parking lot can now possibly offer an access point to an unwelcome visitor. Ford’s answer is to give the driver the right to accept or deny the access point to other devices, but this doesn’t stop a hacker from driving into the same parking lot with their own virtual hotspot.

While the technology is fairly new, there are definitely some improvements needed. However, the positive effects seem to outweigh the negative. Such systems can alert officials when help is needed, traveling professionals will benefit from having the internet at their fingertips while away from the office, and movies and music can be downloaded directly into a touchscreen computer on the dashboard. Your car will soon be able to diagnose itself and forward the information to the dealership. Manufacturers will be able to scan and update your vehicle while you are driving it (with your permission). The possibilities are endless. In fact, the information highway seems to have a destination beyond our imagination.

References

McLaughlin, P. (2011). Will automotive WiFi be productive or problematic? Cabling Installation &

Maintenance, 19(4), 25.

By: Brian

Is Place Being Replaced by Person Due to Mobile Technology?

“When we communicate


through telephone, radio, television, or computer, where we


are physically no longer determines where and who we are


socially.”


-- Joshua Meyrowitz



Calling somewhere to talk to a friend or family member is ancient history. Before mobile technology, communications was conducted as place to place. When people communicate via mobile phones the communications is person to person.

Mobile calls transform a 'non-place', like a train station, bus, airport, or road into a third place for chatting and playing (Wilken, 2008). In the past, someone that was at one of these places was unreachable and considered in between ‘places’.

Many people can now meet on a video conference at anytime, worldwide. In this case not everyone needs to be at the same place in order to be involved in the meeting. A number is dialed or an application is run on a mobile device and a connection is made.

Mobile technology has also made it possible for people to constantly work without being ‘at work’. Travel arrangements can be made and appointments can be set on the fly.

Does place need to be looked at in a different way or does it even exist anymore? The next time you call someone, ask yourself this question: Are you calling somewhere to talk to them or are you calling their pocket directly?

Michael


Reference:

Wilken, R. (2008). Mobilizing Place: Mobile Media, Peripatetics, and the Renegotiation of Urban Places. Journal Of Urban Technology, 15(3), 39- 55.doi:10.1080/10630730802677939

Mobile Phones and Civic/Political Involvement

___________________________________________________________________________________

The mobile phone has helped launch a new wave of political and civic involvement. Several studies have shown that through mobile use and networking, people are able to constantly communicate to like minded individuals and prompt political, civic action and discourse (Campbell & Kwak, 2010). The use of mobile phones and networking, whether calling, texting or for online social media, has heralded in a new age in communication. This has given rise to people being more "in touch" with political movements and civic responsibilities. By being in constant communication people have the ability to share news and events instantly as they happen.

I think that mobile phones really can help bring people together to prompt civic/political action and discourse like nothing before. With the flip of a phone, anybody can be in constant contact with an entire mobile/social networking community, right at their finger tips. One study showed that through mobile communication, people were more likely to discuss current political and civic events. People felt more secure and safe when communicating with those that they already knew. This security allows them the opportunity to discuss and express themselves about things they would normally not.

However, mobile communication doesn't necessarily make people want to be involved in civic or political action, it more lets those who want to, communicate at a faster pace and to a wider audience than before. Looking at YouTube, every political rally or civic rally is now constantly being monitored and recorded by mobile devices, instantly uploaded to the internet. This is then shared, not just with one person’s network, but the world. All made possible by mobile communication.

With mobile communication people now have the chance to stay engaged and voice opinions from wherever they are, instantly. "Mobile communication affords heightened flexibility for discussing politics and public affairs by allowing users to connect virtually anytime–anywhere" (Campbell & Kwak, 2011). I think that this will be beneficial to society as a whole because only through communication and involvement will we be able to truly confront and find solutions for the problems that face our society.

Taylor

Keywords: Mobile, Communication, Political, Civic, Involvement

Campbell, S, & Kwak, N. Political Involvement in ‘‘Mobilized’’ Society: The Interactive Relationships Among Mobile Communication, Network Characteristics, and Political Participation. (2011)

Campbell, S, & Kwak, N. Mobile Communication and Civic Life: Linking Patterns of Use to Civic and Political Engagement. (2010). 


_______________________________________________________________________________

What if My Mom Reads My Blog?!

The anxiety that some bloggers feel about their work could quite possibly affect their blogging abilities as well as how often they blog.  This anxiety could make them blog the best they ever have OR it could make their blogs go stagnant for months (or longer) without update.  Blogging is a profession in which the blogger should feel little to no pressure to write what they think and feel.  However, some have admitted various worries are what others may think of their blogs, whether their blogs will be well received, whether they will receive comments on their blog and, the worst part, the gut-wrenching feeling of blogging about people they know (Xun, 2010).

This overwhelming anxiety can certainly affect blog maintenance.  Self-efficacy is defined as “people's beliefs about their capabilities to produce designated levels of performance that exercise influence over events that affect their lives” (Bandura).  Frankly, some bloggers are just frightened at the thought that their work will not be well received.  Think about what you do for a living – what if your work was not well received by your family, friends or community -- how would you feel?  People want to be able to perform at an exemplary level and most of all, be successful with their lives.

Whether it is your mom or someone you don’t know reading your blog – the communication and information that a blog can bring can be affirmative or destructive.  For a blog to be successful, the blogger has to be anxiety free and the they need to feel unrestricted enough to write whatever is on their mind and write about how they truly think and feel. 

References:

Bandura, A. Self-Efficacy. Retrieved from http://www.des.emory.edu/mfp/BanEncy.html

Xun, L. (2010). Online posting anxiety: impacts on blogging. Chinese Journal Of Communication, 3(2), 202-222. doi:10.1080/17544751003740391

Dottie O

"Preaching to the Choir" Can it be Dangerous?

      

             "People with small networks of homogeneous ties now have the technological facility to isolate themselves in bubbles of ideological consistency, or ‘‘monadic clusters,’’ that reinforce already existing values and beliefs." Gergen (2003, 2008). This statement serves as the title and basis for an article entitled Segmenting the Electorate: The Effects of Exposure to Political Extremism Online. (Warner, 2010)

            The article describes the conduct and analyzes the results of a study conducted in a controlled setting comprised of a cross section of individuals of mixed political ideologies and provided the participants with extreme content according to orientation. The researchers expected to find that this exposure would result in more extreme tendencies regardless of liberal or conservative leanings. They were surprised to find that their theory was only partially supported. Only those of conservative ideology seemed to be susceptible to becoming more extreme with a homogenous message. Liberals and moderates seemed unaffected.

            I found myself speculating on the one-sided result of the study because the article did not speculate as to possible reasons driving the result. The best explanation I can offer is the very nature of conservatives is to resist change (conserving/preserving traditional norms). Most people, especially those with a conservative nature, fear change. Extremism has historically been motivated by fear. The connection seems to flow naturally. When that fear is fed and nurtured by like-minded people it becomes a catalyst for extremism.

            The article and the study it details provide not only some interesting findings but leave us to consider the potential danger online extremism poses and what if anything should be done to address it. Censorship would represent the very extremism it would seek to control. But should we risk doing nothing at all? I think we should start with further study.   

http://web.ebscohost.com.dml.regis.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=3780eb4e-0663-4bfd-9e4e-351d45dd9c0b%40sessionmgr13&vid=6&hid=10

Mark Peterson    

Is an online education really the best option for obtaining a college degree?

Is an online education really the best option for obtaining a college degree?

“The great end of education is, to discipline rather than to furnish the mind; to train it to the use of its own powers, rather than fill it with the accumulations of others (Tyron Edwards 1809-1894).” (Lukaitis &Davey, 2010, p. 25) This was the quote at the very beginning of the journal article entitled “Motivations of the Online Student” by Audra Lukaitis and Bill Davey; they are both senior lectures at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in Melbourne, Australia. With a great quote like that starting this journal article I was really excited to read about what motivates online students, because to me that quote is exactly what is being accomplished in my online classes here at Regis University. The classes I have taken online have disciplined me to think for myself “rather than fill it with the accumulations of others”, as the above quote states. So it was with a bit of disappointment that I discovered the article seemed to be trying to show that what people have always considered benefits of online education are not really true. The article made me feel that these instructors were trying to show that a traditional face to face education was more valuable and beneficial. I decided to go ahead and review this article because I thought it would be interesting to compare what the article questions as motivating reasons for a student to complete an online degree program such as flexibility, amount actually learned, and the amount of participation that happens in online degree programs compared to what my own experience has been like.

Flexibility?

One of the main reasons that are often given for utilizing an online degree program is the increased flexibility that it offers. Lukaitis and Davey says, “Our study found that students do not seem to be choosing online delivery as a method of making their studies more flexible as they mostly were accessing resources during office hours.” (2010, p. 36) I don’t think this is a valid reason for saying that online classes don’t increase flexibility for students. The students might be working evening or night shifts or they could be working during the day, but able to access their class site while at work. I know that I access the classes through Regis during the day because I have access to the internet at work. I am able to work on homework during my breaks and when I have lulls during our consultation hours. I did choose an online degree program versus a traditional degree program because it enabled me to continue working. I also chose it for the flexibility of choosing when I work on homework versus having to go to class at a set time and having to pay for a babysitter. I think the authors of this study should look at more than just the numbers when coming to their conclusion and should actually interview a number of students to see why it works better for those students.

Learning versus Assessment?

The authors of this article questioned whether students completing an online degree were actively learning or were they just concentrating on the assessment aspect of the courses. They feel that more online students are interested in assessment versus actually learning. Lukaitis and Davey says, “The heavy concentration on material directly related to assessment and the tendency to put time into the course only near assessment time leads to some speculation about the motivation of online students.” (2010, p. 37) I don’t know that I agree with their conclusion that online students care more about just learning what they need to so they can pass the class. I can honestly say this has not been my experience, but maybe it has more to do with the age of the students versus the type of learning platform they have chosen. When I was younger and completing classes for a traditional university setting I admit that I was more assessment focused just because there was a lot of other things that I wanted to do, but now that I am older and have different priorities I am more focused on actually learning what I am studying. I think the authors of this article once again need to focus on more than just comparing numbers. It would be more helpful to discuss with actual students their experiences versus speculating about what motivates online students based on crunching numbers.

Participation?

The authors of this article feel that students ignored the online discussion component of the classes. They didn’t feel like students participated like a traditional classroom requires. Lukaitis & Davey says, “The provision of richer materials and opportunities for online discussions with their peers and teaching team members was completely ignored.” (2010, p. 37) They felt that even when students were required to participate in the online discussions that they just chose not to. I can say that I don’t agree with this at all. I know that Regis requires online discussion postings as part of the grade, and I have never seen people ignore the discussion posting aspect of the class. I know that some students don’t participate as much, but I see that as a personal choice. And I know that when I went to a traditional university program that not all of the students participated in the class room discussions. I know that I participate in discussions more online than I ever did in the large university classes. I once again feel that the authors need to look more closely at why the students in their surveys were not participating by actually speaking to students instead of just looking at the numbers.

Conclusion

My conclusion is that the authors of this study need to look at each of the motivations for completing an online degree from a different angle. They just looked at the numbers and not at what motivates actual individual students to purse an online degree program. I think they would find that their answers don’t match up to the numbers; I know that their conclusions don’t match up to my experiences at all. I would say that I am a much more motivated student now that I am able to complete my degree online and the biggest motivations are the flexibility it affords, the amount I actually learn, and the amount I am able to participate in the online discussion. In the end each student needs to decide whether an online degree or a traditional degree program works best for them.

Reference

Lukaitis, A. & Davey, B. (2010). Motivations of the Online Student. Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, 7, 25-37.

Thank you, Jennifer Masters

Facebook Wins the Election-NOT!

Social media could prove to be a powerful tool during the upcoming election. While it’s obvious that the news media will continue to use their sites to keep the viewers up to date, this type of communication continues to be a one-way flow of controlled information. Savvy politicians not only use main stream news, but also other types of social media to get their message out. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are examples of interactive social media that will be used for both positive and negative politicking by campaigners and as well as interested individuals to get their messages across to others. But studies show that “social networking use was a negative predictor of political cynicism” (Hanson, Haridakis, Wagstaff Cunningham, Sharma & Ponder ,2010) in the last election. While I thought that the Facebook posts, tweets, and blogging would do a great job of educating the voters on candidate qualities, it seems like this is not the case.


The internet social tools are a wonderful way to have cyber conversations and quickly spread ideas. But what typically happens is that people that are interested in following a blogger or tweet will probably have a similar opinion to the author, so the message stays within the social groups of similar interests. Tweets will be sent to the followers, like minded groups will follow bloggers and specific Facebook personalities. So, while the messages will go around the world in a flash and can stimulate a lot of conversation, the odds of swaying a vote are low since it is likely that the information will stay within groups of people with similar opinions.

In Today’s Election game, Anyone can play

The politicians also see interactive social tools as a way to get their message to their followers. Obama used this successfully in the 2008 election. His campaign team was able to get information out incredibly quick to their followers. The Obama campaign was more successful than McCain’s in using interactive social media to keep voter interest and momentum. This helped him win the votes of the younger people.  Just like in the mainstream news, however, the message was controlled information. All is not perfect in the cyberworld, since control of the message content can be lost or manipulated in the use various types of social media. People posting to sites such as Facebook and YouTube provide the path “for ordinary citizens to create their own political content, distribute it online, and comment on the content created by others” (Hanson, et al, 2010). It’s easy for someone to pull a quote out of context, do a little photo manipulation, and create a message to serve a personal crusade. Sometimes the messages go “viral”, and are seen by a large public. For bad or good, no longer will the campaign offices of the candidates be in full control of what goes out into the public eye. For the most part these messages, while offensive to some and humorous to others, will have little effect on voter opinion.  For me, I'm going to enjoy the mud slinging on YouTube, while trying to sort out the real information in order to make my election choices.

References

Gary Hanson, Paul Michael Haridakis, Audrey Wagstaff Cunningham, Rekha Sharma & J. D. Ponder (2010): The 2008 Presidential Campaign: Political Cynicism in the Age of Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube, Mass Communication and Society, 13:5, 584-607

By Larry S.

A brave new world: Technology as a force multiplier for societal change.

Salvation Army donations
Image credit: Zimbio

The iconic image of a Salvation Army bell ringer standing close to the entrance of major stores around Christmas is about to get a makeover. Gone will be the bucket for cash and change, to be replaced by an iPhone, iPad or android phone with a Square card processor (a mobile credit card processor) plugged into it (PC Magazine, 2011). This allows the Salvation Army to get donations from an increasingly cashless population.

This example is just the latest in many disruptive changes brought about by the ubiquitous presence of technology in society. Its influence and ability to amplify our actions range from the personal, like organizing celebrations on social networks (via Facebook and twitter), the professional (using professional networks like LinkedIn, as well as professional forums online), and the societal.

Image credit: Time Magzine

The last category has been especially visible recently, with social platforms including twitter, tumblr and Facebook accelerating protests cross the Middle East and North Africa. Many of the grassroots protests that started in December of 2010, have led to regime changes (Tunisia, Libya and Egypt), or at least major social changes in others (Bahrain and Jordan) (Blight,Pulham, Torpey, 2012). Many other oppressed groups have since adopted the social model, to expose the hypocrisy of their own governments, and to show the world the actual conditions on the ground.

Syria is a good example of this stark contrast between an official message, and the reality on the ground. Without technologies like satellite phones, video capable mobile phones, or uncensored social media, most of these stories would not make it out via the official channels.
As the world watches the Syrian government’s moves, the protest movement in Egypt is simmering again, as the military caretaker government has failed to live up to the people’s expectations (NPR, 2012). It is clear that online organizing will play a large part in the future of this movement, and this time people are more prepared with new counter technology to sidestep network shutdowns and censorship actions by the government.

There are truly few game changers in society, but technologies combinations like mobile devices and social platforms, are as definitive as are possible. Social networks have changed how we interact with friends and family, and have toppled oppressive governments. The picture isn’t all rosy though, privacy concerns still dog this nascent area, and the regulations to govern access to personal information will be worth watching. Nonetheless, Pandora’s box has been opened, and we ought to integrate these new communication tools into society, to enhance how we communicate with, and affect our society.

Ope Bakare.

References.
PC Magazine Online. (2011). Salvation army accepting donations via square. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.dml.regis.edu/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA272618175&v=2.1&u=regis&it=r&p=CDB&sw=w

Blight, Garry, Pulham, Sheila, Torpey, Paul. (2012). Arab spring: An interactive timeline of middle east protests. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2011/mar/22/middle-east-protest-interactive-timeline

NPR. (2012). Anti government protests roil Egypt. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/series/133370727/anti-government-protests-roil-egypt

Time. (2011). The protester. Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2101745_2102132_2102373,00.html

Zimbio. (2011). Recession forces salvation army bell-ringers to return to streets in summer. Retrieved from http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/AeaO1gO0kCT/Recession+Forces+Salvation+Army+Bell+Ringers

Mobile Phones Transforming the World

Mobile Phones Transforming the World


Eight Tracks to Smart Phones

Saying that we live in a rapidly changing technological world is an understatement. It is difficult to comprehend the depth and width that technology is impacting human life on planet earth. Just some 40 short years ago we were listening to mobile music via the bulky eight-track tape player. Then came cassette players, CD players, iPods, and now the ubiquitous mobile phone and smart phones.

From music to communication, our mobile phones are expanding in their use becoming an extension of ourselves. This idea of the mobile phone affecting nearly every area of life is discussed in James E. Katz’s (ed) 2008 book, the Handbook of Communication Studies. Don’t let the word handbook deceive you into thinking it is the size of a large pamphlet. This is a 485 page, 32 chapter book with numerous authors writing about the impact of mobile phones. It is logically organized into three main sections: Digital Divides and Social Mobility, Sociality and Co-presence, and Politics and Social Change.

Incorporated within these broad sections are observations and research on mobile phones’ impact into everyday life. Various countries and cultures are discussed including, but not limited to, Korea, Japan, Egypt, Singapore, Finland, Mexico, Southern China, and the United States. It is astounding to read how societal norms, economies, education, politics and society in general are being affected by use of the mobile phone. To illustrate, let’s travel to the Arab world.

Changing Society in the Arab World

In chapter 19 author Mohammad Ibahrine brings up several examples of change using the mobile phone as a tool. In Saudi Arabia there is an official ban on camera phones. However, this has not stopped the young people. They use mobile phones to contact members of the opposite sex in spite of the gender segregation practice in that country. (Ibahrine, 2008) Mobile phones are impacting the social mores and providing personal freedom.

In January 2011, the Egyptian people used Facebook and mobile phones to organize a revolution which ultimately overthrew Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. This event occurred after this book was written. Interestingly enough, Mr. Ibahrine points out how in 2005, instances of grassroots sociopolitical mobilization were identified in a number of Arab countries which included Egypt.

The Future

Where will the mobile phone take us? The Handbook of Mobile Communication Studies scratches the surface of the global changes that have occurred and speculates on the impact for the future. While the title of the book may sound shallow, the book is rich with examples of cultural transformations. The mobile telephony is the fastest spreading communication technology in history. (Castells, 2008). The mobile phone will continue to replace fixed telephone lines, not only due to old or absent infrastructure, but also due to increased mobility and functionality. The global economy will be impacted as local communities around the world are offered new possibilities through wireless networks. Furthermore, as individuals we will continue to be connected anytime and anywhere thus blurring the lines between time and space. (Katz, 2008) Will the mobile phone be able to change our molecular structure and “beam” us to another location? I won’t hold my breath for that, but I do think someday I will be able to program my mobile phone to start my coffee maker and wake me up to sounds of the ocean.
Life is good.

By Margaret

References

Castells, M. (2008). Handbook of mobile communication studies. In James E. Katz (Ed.), Afterword. The MIT Press. Retrieved from http://library.books24x7.com.dml.regis.edu

Ibahrine, Mohammad. (2008). Handbook of mobile communication studies. In James E. Katz (Ed.), Mobile communication and sociopolitical change in the arab world. The MIT Press. Retrieved from http://library.books24x7.com.dml.regis.edu

Katz, James E. (2008). Handbook of mobile communication studies. In James E. Katz (Ed.), Mainstreamed and mobiles in daily life – perspectives and prospects. The MIT Press. Retrieved from http://library.books24x7.com.dml.regis.edu