Based on current trends of cellphone ownership, I would consider myself to be a late bloomer. I truly began using a cellphone at the age of 18. Nowadays however, even children under the age of 10 have their own mobile device. I don't understand why they need one or what they use it for, but they have it. Based on several studies and reports, cellphone usage is on the rise. In this post I will explore the growth in cellphone ownership/usage and what this means for us as a society.
There is little doubt that the introduction of smartphones triggered the rise in cellphones. Smartphones are basically mini computers. They have the ability to access the internet and install software programs called applications. These “apps” are the driving force behind the success of smartphones. The following article is a fantastic read that shows how smartphones have gone from a luxury to a tool of necessity: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_668540.html.
Smartphones are a relatively new innovation. But the importance people place on these devices is hugely significant. As an avid Android user, I must admit the experience is mesmerizing. I am a proud owner of the world's first “superphone” as LG described their Optimus 2X. I upload my entire schedule into my phone. All my contacts, e-mails, grocery lists, and pending tasks are accessible through my phone – it's amazing. My phone is my lifeline in many ways. If I forget it at home, I feel lost and worried, disconnected from society. I'm positive a significant percentage of people share this sentiment. Why is it that a smartphone has so much a value? What features and qualities of smartphones produce this feeling of addiction? From my experience, I find that smartphones are becoming increasingly more popular and important in people's lives, because they provide so many ways to connect with one another. Humans are innately social beings. Smartphones, largely through the use of apps, have simplified and facilitated interaction and computer-mediated communication. Whether it's using BBM, Facebook for mobile, or Foursquare, millions of apps for smartphones are providing endless opportunities for people to communicate and interact from the convenience of a mobile device, regardless of location.
While all the benefits of smartphones are irrefutable, I think there are a few key drawbacks and disadvantages. A number of studies have shown that intensive use of electronics, whether smartphone or PC, and particularly accessing social media, can lead to increased chances of developing ADHD. Furthermore, a groundbreaking study found that people who use social networking sites for more than one hour a day, spend significantly less time in direct-contact with people (including household members). This is shocking information considering that one of the most popular activities of smartphone users is checking Facebook and Twitter. The consequences of the reduced contact are severe. Having physical contact with others, intimate or not, is critical for proper social development. Anything short can lead to various personality disorders.
In closing, I don't believe that we should all start to reduce the amount of time we spend on our smartphones. However, forewarned is forearmed, and we should make the most of this information by creating a strong balance. Too much of anything is not good – moderation is the key. What are your thoughts?
Whenever I see statistics like, "people who use social networking sites for more than one hour a day, spend significantly less time in direct-contact with people" I wonder which one is the cause and which the effect. I think its actually very likely that people who, for whatever reason, spend relatively less time in direct contact with others are more drawn to social networking sites as a way to help compensate for this deficiency. These people may have spent just as long without direct contact before these sites existed, and the sites may actually be increasing their overall social interaction.
ReplyDeleteEither way, I definitely agree that a lot of people's fixation on these forms of media are starting to become almost pathological, and they may be making our society less productive and socially lazy.
Always read statistics with a dose of caution and suspicion. You're right to doubt the causation; the study was actually showing a correlation. However, as you've mentioned, there is extensive evidence that points to increasing amounts of pathological issues like personality disorders and deficiencies that result from increased use of social networking.
ReplyDeleteI think it's perfectly reasonable for people to use social media tools to compensate for a lack of direct contact with people. However, I feel that a significant number of people have actually replaced direct contact with social networking entirely, rather than complementing each other.
Interesting! I just posted on my blog and it's somewhat related to this post with regards to how much we use our mobile phones and the negative effects of this. You should take a look!
ReplyDeleteIn addition to people who use their phones intensely being vulnerable to developing ADHD as well as spending less time with people as you mentioned, the article I discussed (from CNN tech) is about a "new" phobia on the rise called Nomophobia which is is an unreasonable level of fear when out of mobile phone contact.
I definitely agree that people should use their phones in moderation and try not to be so dependent on them (in the more extreme sense, where without your phone for an hour you are lost and anxious). It is definitely hard not to always be on your phone though, considering how amazing smartphones are and how much you can achieve with them. I feel that people should however try match and even surpass the amount of interaction the make through their smartphones in person on a daily basis.
I'm actually surprised it took so long for the "powers that be" to coin the word. Personally, I'm for the use of smartphones. The problem though, is that they've become a primary means of communication. It's a phone and a computer!
ReplyDeleteWhile moderation is important, it isn't something that can really be enforced. People need to understand the repercussions of excessively using computer-mediated communication. Arguably the best way to accomplish that is to build awareness.
I think you are right about the excessive use on smartphone among the teeagers. Obviously, it is not a good new for parents if teenager spent too much time on smartphone. It is better have some regulations with this phenomenon. Otherwise, teenagers are going to heavily rely on smartphone, and it might causes future problems when they become adults. By the way, do not forget to come to my blog to take a peek.
ReplyDeletehttp://utcser.blogspot.ca/
Yes, some sort of control (ideally through moderation) is essential in ensuring that it is not excessively used. The sort of negative effects you're talking about are exactly the point I was trying to make in my post. Serious personality disorders are very possible, and that is why this is a major concern.
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