Mobile Phones and Civic/Political Involvement

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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). 


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