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