Premium Essay

How Cell Phone Technology Has Changed Society

In:

Submitted By rowdygirlmel
Words 377
Pages 2
Just a few decades ago, mobile phones were a luxury that few could afford; large, heavy and awkward devices that were an exclusive form of telephone service, possibly suited for certain industry workers. The mobile phone is now a part of our popular culture. It has vastly changed our lives, and the (now) small, lightweight, highly portable device is viewed as a necessity in most households.
One key way mobile phones have had an impact on our lives is in what they were designed for: communication. Mobile phones have allowed us to expand our person-to-person communication from what used to be a simple phone call, to the use of texting, group messaging, video chat, email and social media. But that’s not all they do.

Mobile phones allow us to listen to songs, read books, play games, take photos and videos, watch movies, shop online, search for jobs, assist with our banking needs, track our loved ones, look up the closest restaurant to our current location, provide turn-by-turn directions to those restaurants, and so much more!

The mobile phone has dramatically changed our culture and continues to do so as the technology evolves. It has freed us from the constraints of a bulky computer, providing information literally at our fingertips (or most recently, on our wrists). Whatever action or knowledge we desire, the mobile phone is most likely capable of providing.

Although mobile phones have made our lives easier and more convenient, there are negative aspects associated as well. Most everyone is aware of the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving, however, stories of distracted (by a mobile phone) while driving are almost as commonplace as drinking and driving incidents. And while the topic remains controversial, studies have suggested that mobile phones can pose several health risks, including links to cancer and even Alzheimer’s disease. Mobile phones

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Cell Phones Negatively Impact Society and Social Interactions

...Name Course Title 7 July 2015 Cell phones negatively impact society and social interactions The cell phone is a revolutionary technology gadget that has transformed how people communicate in the society. Cell phones have closed the gap of time and place to allow people to communicate at anytime from any place. Contemporary society has become more reliant on technology with the gadget of preference as the cell phone. Cell phones have created the perception of a more social society as people are more connected in modern society than they were three decades ago. The increased number and availability of cell phones have subsequently increased the volume of social interactions as people are able to socialize through multiple cell phone applications. However, the increased numbers of social interactions through cell phones have diminished the quality of interactions in society. Etiquette skills have deteriorated, family members no longer have time for each other, people have become oblivious to their surroundings, and a majority of cell phone owners have become addicts. Therefore, this paper will argue how cell phones have negatively impacted society and social interactions. Cell phones have allowed for the convenience of communication and interactions from any place and at any time. As a result, contemporary society has developed a culture of instant gratification that is fueled by the convenience of the cell phone. People will answer calls, return text messages...

Words: 1401 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Psychological and Sociological Effects of Cell Phones

...Psychological and Sociological Effects of Cell Phones Sean Myers   Psychological and Sociological Effects of Cell Phones According the U.S Census Bureau in 2011, more than 70% of people in the world use mobile phones. The use of phones can be negative and positive. Mobile phones have been used for terrorist attacks and also used for donation campaigns. Mobile phones was created for a purpose, but has turned into something entirely different. Though it is a tool, it carries a psychological and sociological impact on society. Mobile phones have changed the meaning of multitasking in our personal and business life. You can conduct a three-way business call while cooking dinner. You can stay in constant contact with all your friends and family no matter where you are or what time it is. You can now monitor your children by use of GPS. These are certainly some positive impacts of the technology. The mobile device soon turned into a multipurpose device with the birth of the smartphones. Adults now even spend more media time on mobile than newspapers and magazines combined (TV, Mobile See Gains in Viewing Time, 2011). But like most technologies, this tool also comes with some drawbacks that may not be immediately obvious….This new enhanced smartphone is an invisible leash maybe even a bind on our personal space. A balance is needed to keep a healthy state of mind from busy human interaction and personal space. Having a mobile phone on you at all times gives away that human...

Words: 1132 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Education

...Education has changed throughout time and will continue changing. With many changes for better or for worse, education will still be a priority for our children. After interviewing two teachers that have been in the education workforce for over twenty years, I realized how much change in society has affected the way teachers taught their students. The first teacher I interviewed had been teaching for twenty-five years and is a sixth grade teacher. She noted that any change in our culture has made a difference in her classroom. As part of the changes the role of schools and education will also be different both in the educational system and in the society. Together with them the role of teachers will also change. The way students are learning is changing therefore, the tools to accommodate these demands are changing as well. She commented that technology is now a great part of today’s education. She said its like an “explosion of technology” has hit our generation. Although she says that technology has brought many opportunities it has brought challenges as well. For example, it is an advantage for her to integrate computers in her classroom for learning. But it is a huge distraction when her students have cell phones and music player devices in class. She commented that “children in sixth grade shouldn’t even own cell phones.” They are too young to have cell phones and notices that twenty years ago, her students were not known to have such things. Technology is becoming more...

Words: 673 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Cellphone

...Cell phones How have they changed us socially? A mobile phone (also known as a cellular phone, cell phone, and a hand phone) is a device that can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link while moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile phone operator, allowing access to the public telephone network. By contrast, a cordless telephone is used only within the short range of a single, private base station. In addition to telephony, modern mobile phones also support a wide variety of other services such as text messaging, MMS, email, Internet access, short-range wireless communications (infrared, Bluetooth), business applications, gaming and photography. Mobile phones that offer these and more general computing capabilities are referred to as smartphones. The first hand-held mobile phone was demonstrated by John F. Mitchell[1][2] and Dr Martin Cooper of Motorola in 1973, using a handset weighing around 2.2 pounds (1 kg).[3] In 1983, the DynaTAC 8000x was the first to be commercially available. From 1990 to 2011, worldwide mobile phone subscriptions grew from 12.4 million to over 6 billion, penetrating about 87% of the global population and reaching the bottom of the economic pyramid.[4][5][6][7] Before the devices that are now referred to as mobile phones existed, there were some precursors. The development of mobile telephony began in 1918 with tests of wireless telephony on military trains between Berlin...

Words: 1819 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Technology and Social Change in Healthcare

...Technology and Social Change in Healthcare Today there are many technologies that have provided change in our social environments. For example, we have access to laptop/computers, the Internet, cell phones, and android pads. This is beneficial because we can use the Internet to obtain information almost instantly to assist in research and education as well as staying in communication with friends and family. I believe that every household should have access to these technologies but due to socioeconomic conditions that is not possible. I feel that the technology today has evolved from landline telephones and going to the library to being able to make calls anytime from anywhere and find information at the touch of our fingertips. The gap between social economic backgrounds needs to be closed so that everyone has the access to all technology. Influence of Technology on Social Change The Business Dictionary defines technology as “the purposeful application of information in the design, production, and utilization of goods and services, and in the organization of human activities.” In addition, they further breakdown the definition of technology into five categories “Tangible, Intangible, High, Intermediate, and Low.” Our life modes have been greatly changed over the years. A few examples include but not limited to education, government, healthcare and new communication inventions. The Encyclopedia Britannica defines Social Change “in sociology, the alteration of mechanisms...

Words: 1613 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Parenting with Technology

...Parenting with Technology By DeVry University There are 6,800 known languages used in 200 different countries through out the world. 2,681 of those languages also have a writing system and the rest are just spoken. (1) All of those languages, spoken or not are tools of communication. Communication is the background of modern society and the fundamental means of being a civilized country, and how we communicate has changed dramatically over the centuries from grunting and writing on rocks to a very wide variety of methods in communication that we see today. Today, we often communicate with technology. We use email, on laptops and cell phones through wireless networks in hotspots all over our cities and communities. With cell phones, it is rare that you cannot instantly make a phone call and speak to someone immediately. Text messaging is yet another new language has been developed to communicate within in our society. Finally we use the Internet and social networking sites to keep in touch via live video, instant pictures, and so much more. Information is almost always a click away. In this multifaceted time of communication we need to learn the languages of our kids. Communication has always been the key to good parenting. Now we can use the tools of the 2000’s to be the best parents possible. The cell phone has changed communication, as we know it. Every time I missed school as a teen by 10 am the phone would ring with a call from the school office...

Words: 2949 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Technology and Social Change

...Technology and Social Change Page 1 Leslie Chappell SOC/100 University of Phoenix 03/28/2016 Technology and Social Change Page 2 Americans are faced with increasing change of technology in everyday life. Most of the time, the change happens, and we don't realize how it affects our lives. I remember talking to my grandparents about their younger years; it made me realize how technology changes from generation to generation. Technology is scientific knowledge and the making of tools to solve problems. The technological advances are vehicles, airplanes, radio, TV, cell phones, and computers. The 20th century has changed how people meet, interact, learn, work, and do business. This type of knowledge doubles every several years. Sociologists are concerned how these technological societies will adapt to the social changes that technology continues to bring. Social change is alteration over time in behavior patterns and cultural values. Sociologists acknowledge the role that social movements play in members to bring about social change. There are ways to understand the nature of long-term social change; it includes looking for patterns and causes which led sociologists to understand the evolutionary, functionalist, and conflict theories of change. According to The Pew Internet and American Life Project, 45% of American adults own a smartphone which is a 10% increase since May 2011. But smartphones are more popular with the young adults and...

Words: 924 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Observation Paper

...Social Interaction among students fails because of cell phones Technology to communicate INTRO: Since the last decade, cell phone use has gained an incredible amount of popularity throughout society attracting audiences of all ages. Technology has significantly improved from what it used to be cell phones especially. The behavior I choose to be is the new way that students interact with schools. Walking to school every day I noticed that students don’t talk to each other anymore. Even when they are together on a table, walking or even during class, there is no more a face to face interaction. Technology has become the new face to interact with one another. The theory on this observation is the social behavior perspective. This theory explains how people interact with the environment. Even when they are in groups dung lunch most of them are on their cell phones. Student's face to face communication is fading by the frequency of texting, not merely in the sense that they speak is becoming abbreviated but the focus associated with talking is becoming distracted and scarce. BACKGROUND: “From a survey 800 American young people between ages 12 and17 regarding their use of mobile phones . The researchers report that half of the teens were sending 50 or more messages a day , with older teenage girls sending an average of 100 messages daily”. (Chin, Jen, Fan, 2013). Clearly, text messaging on mobile phones is an important element in the lives of many American teenagers...

Words: 2229 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Essay About Technology

...wanted to know Technology is a major crisis, increasing day by day. Many of us deny this, or many don’t want to believe this actually. Unfortunately, yes; it is causing a lot of trouble around our societies. We are suffering from a serious disease called technology. Every day, while I am seeing this virus spreading, many questions started coming to my mind. Aren’t teenagers and kids too small to hold a smartphone? How did our lives change (to worse or better)? Which is better now or then? I already knew that technology is the simple idea to do complex tasks, but in a way or another it has its own side effects. It can be beneficial in many ways, but on the other hand, it can be more...

Words: 1139 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Cell Phone Technology

...Cell Phone Technology By: Stephanie Lewis For this paper I chose to write about cell phones as my topic. A cell phone is a portable, non-wired phone that you can carry around with you. The name cell phone comes from cellular network, which is basically a bunch of towers. There are two types of cell phones. A cell phone and a smartphone. A cell phone is a simpler phone. You can receive phone calls and texts on it, but that’s about it. A smartphone is the newer technology. A smartphone allows you to check email, Facebook, Twitter, download games, and much more. Plus smart phones are touch screened and the letters and numbers pop up on the screen. All cell phones are battery powered. Yes this means you have to charge them. There are many different cellular carriers. The most common ones are Verizon, AT&T, Straight Talk, and T-Mobile. Cell phones run off of cell towers and calls are actually made through radio links. The earliest known description, as far as we know, was in a science fiction novel called Space Cadet in 1948. The first actual cell phone did not come out until 1984. This cell phone was the Dyna Tac 8000X. This phone had to be charged after thirty minutes of use. Really. Cell phones have come a long way since then. First, they have changed how we interact with one another and our relationships. Now I didn’t say it was good or bad, you be the judge. I personally think cell phones are corrupting us. Cell phones are good for coordinating with others and keeping...

Words: 1080 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Technology

...really have not realized how technology has changed the way we live; and how it has changed our understanding about how things work. Technology has distorted the way we interact with other people. It was once opposed but now it has become part of our life, and also part of our home. At the beginning, technology did not have too much impact on the society, as the church believed that it would oppose beliefs of god. We cannot know if they were right or not. But, technology is not just computers or cell phones, it is science. And science’s main goal is to understand everything about us, our planet, other planets, and even other galaxies. However, the way we understand and experience the technology is taking advantage on how it makes our lives easier and more efficient. When you look around, no matter if you are in America or Venezuela, you will see people using cell phones, carrying laptop cases, or just listening to music. So, definitely, technology has changed the way we live. Technology is a concept that will never end. New devices are released every day for every kind of purpose, and it will keep being that way. Companies will never start running out of resources; because they would have recycled parts to build and create more and more electronic devices. Technology now is a thing that we cannot live without; an average person needs technology, to eat, to entertain, to cook, and to do many other daily functions. Let’s face it. People need technology to survive. However, as everything...

Words: 274 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Persuasive Essay On Texting And Driving

...Car accidents are common on a daily basis, and the causes behind these crashes are the many different distractions we have throughout the day, but talking on the phone and even texting while driving is the number one cause of crashes according to recent studies. This distraction can be deadly in many ways and can put the driver as well as the passengers in danger; therefore the use of technology while driving is never an option. The usage of phones either by text or call are a problem when it comes to driving because they do not allow people to focus on their surroundings like incoming traffic and pedestrians, causing crashes and many times even death. Of course, teenagers play a very important role in this controversial topic, as they have been more involved in the evolution of technology; leading them to an addiction to it. In addition, the Department of Transportation is working on banning the use of cell phones while...

Words: 1302 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Pop Culture

...17, 2012 Technology Taking Over The most significant influence from Pop culture felt in today’s modern age is the phenomena of advanced electronic technologies, which is constantly changing and improving at an astonishing rate.. Electronic technology advancements have improved all forms of media devices, the majority of which include laptop and desktop computers, cellular phones and state of the art televisions. The change from analogue to digital is the primary improvement. These technological improvements have changes the way we communicate and our daily lives. Technology has been advancing and changing faster than most ordinary people can keep up with. In the past few decades, media technology has had the most dramatic impact on how we live. Cell phones are in fact hand held computers with cameras, video recorders, applications and programs that allow you to do nearly everything a home computer or laptop can do today. It’s hard to imagine life without the Internet. The effect the Internet has had on our daily lives is quite amazing. However, there are still many people who refuse to own a PC, but that number is dwindling each year. With the many benefits and convenience offered by use of the Internet, it’s hard to imagine not having the ability to surf the web for a new restaurant or find out what movie is playing that evening. In my lifespan, primarily the past decade, so many things we do have changed dramatically and I believe the future impact of technology holds many...

Words: 1153 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Technology and Social Change

...Technology and Social Change Technology is defined as the use of science in industry, engineering, etc., to invent useful things or to solve problems (Technology, 2016). Social change happens when there is a change in society. It seems that there everyone including small children have either a computer or a cell phone and access to the internet. The advancements in technology have paved the way to social changes throughout the United States. Where would we be without cell phones, internet, the automobile, or electricity? Social changes happened with the implementation of this technology advancements. In the last 20 years there have been many technological changes. Personal computers are faster and more compact. Cell phones give their user Internet access just about anywhere you can access the cellular network. As a nation we have become almost chained to our cell phones and computers. A relatively new form of social media, crowdsourcing is when a services are needed and the ideas or information is spread to a large group of people. For instance, Kickstarter is a web-based company that helps to raise large amounts of money in a short period of time. Another use of the Internet and crowdsourcing happened in January 2010 when an earthquake devastated Haiti. Relief groups were able to take advantage of crowdsourcing efforts to get the medical aid, food, shelter, and rescue help that was needed (Introduction to Sociology, 2015, p. 493). Without the advancements that have been...

Words: 1280 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Technology and Social Change

...Technology and Social Change Tina Medina SOC/100 May 2, 2016 Andrea Harris Technology and Social Change This essay is about technology and social change, which are two things that have a huge impact in our world today. Ramey (2013), "Technology is a body of knowledge devoted to creating tools, processing actions and extracting of materials. We use technology to accomplish various tasks in our daily lives, in brief; we can describe technology as products, processes or organizations.” (para. 1). According to "Social Change Defined" (n.d.), "Social change refers to any significant alteration over time in behavior patterns and cultural values and norms.” (para. 1). Now that we have the definitions of technology and social change it is easy to see how they are related. No matter where or what you are going in your life it has been impacted my technology some way and have socially changed how we accomplish things in our everyday life. Some examples; checking out at the store can now be done through a self-checkout lane, you no longer need a map to travel with GPS available in your car, and people can work from home because of computers and advanced technology. All of these technology changes have made people learn new ways to complete tasks throughout their day and social change has occurred. Impact of Technology in Society Computers, cell phone, and the Internet have changed are lives drastically and is a part of everyone’s life in one form or another. Communication across...

Words: 1438 - Pages: 6