The mobile phone has, and continues, to transform the social environment of those who interact with the devices. Long gone are the days when someone was unreachable because they were not at home, at the store, or driving. The mobile phone has become an extension of the human body for many individuals whom feel the device “not just on the material level but also on the level of one’s sense of physical self” (Katz, 2006), with this change also comes the loss of the sense of distance when communicating with others through the mobile phone, but this change also brings with it the loss of personalization and physical communication such as gestures, expressions, and the “ability to react adaptively to unpredictable encounters” (Katz, 2006). Just recently, mobile phones have gained the capability of accessing the Internet as well.
Now that the mobile phone has gained Internet access, it has made the daily lives of those wielding its power easier, but less personal, by allowing them to communicate through this media regardless of location. This is quickly noticed when visiting the food court of a nearby shopping center where many individuals will be using the Internet for social media, perhaps even to the extent of instant messaging someone who is physically located with them. By communicating through the Internet, the two people are able to communicate with each other on their terms, responding when they choose too, allowing the other participant to gather their thoughts appropriately and respond only when he or she is prepared to. With the non-verbal and non-personal communication habits forming, and social cultures developing, social anxieties and personal inabilities may well be increasing on the horizon.
-Jason K.
References
Katz, J. (2006). Mobile communication and the transformation of daily life:
The next phase of research on mobiles. Retrieved November 25, 2011, from the SpringerLink Web site: http://www.springerlink.com.dml.regis.edu/content/6th40u71y26h497d/fulltext.pdf
2 comments:
Jason, Reading your blog was very interesting and true. My son would rather sit and text rather than talk to his friends. What did we do before we had all of this technology? Donna
Your blog post is spot on. Mobile communications has allowed for instant communications to and from virtually anywhere in the world. Texting has made communications between family and friends very impersonal and has caused users to become lazy when communicating, using acronyms and misspelling words. For example: OMG u r awesome. Talking this way may be quick, but in my eyes shows laziness if used consistently.
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