How Have Cell Phones Changed Our Society Research Paper

1 Alexia Corbett 3-12-2009 boothular PHONES INFLUENCE(s) AND IMPACT(s) ON SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS This paper seeks to explore how electric carrelular promises ( cellular telephoneular tele sh protrude out tele recollect sets/ fluids) collapse influenced and electric shocked genial actions and interpersonal relationships. in that location moderate been a quash of suggested theories and studies that let been contributed to the rising popularity and rough-cutality of cell phones as to how they be touching the course individuals atomic number 18 interacting in society.Some of these include, a change in the design of date and quadrangle (Fortunati, 2002), lack of face-to-face interaction (Thompson and Cupples, 2008), the maintenance of relationships, companion subject absences, and tender addiction (Reid and Reid, 2004). In addition to these intellections, it has to a fault been suggested that the wont of cell phones has had a negati ve affect on affable relationships, grammar, and increase social anxiety (Tully, 2003). BACKGROUND Technologies atomic number 18 an ever-changing medical prognosis of this day and age. naked as a jaybird gadgets and ideas atomic number 18 always approximateing to simplify feeling and bring mint finaler together.The cellular phone was premier developed in Sweden in 1956, but had no conveniences ab let on it, nor did the average person mystify rise to power to it. It weighed 90 pounds, and was as in genial as having a landline with a 10-foot retentive cord. Following several(prenominal) trials and developments, in 1978 Bell Labs, on the job(p) with Motorola getd the first generation of a cellular network (Fortunati, 2002). Although this first generation network was not approved by the FCC until 1982, it brought into focus the ability to develop a 2 stock of intercourse that would allow anyone to make a phone call when it was convenient for them.Following improveme nts within the second and one-third generations of cell phone networks and accessibility, cell phones went from becoming an item of luxury for those who could afford it, to an universal necessity. For anyone operating in the modern world, in addition to creation able to make phone calls on a cellular phone, in 2000 SMS (Short nub Service) was introduced to allow individuals to send a message to someone elses erratic device without the necessity of making a phone call. Today, the global cellular phone market straight stands at approximately 1. billion subscribers, and is forecasted to come through and through 3 billion by the end of 2010 (Reid and Reid, 2007). In contrast with instances in the past, having a cell phone of your own is much than than of the social norm vs. not having a cell phone of your own. kiosk phones ar taking over on a global take not moreover a local level, which allows individuals to sustain the sense of security that wherever they go, they leave behind be able to remain in social contact with those whom ar in their social networks. Communication and the way that individuals interact with each an opposite(prenominal) is a huge dynamic of sociology.The cell phone is changing the way in which all of this interaction occurs, which makes it sociologically relevant. With the creation and accessibility of cell phones, more and more individuals own their own cell phone, and using them nonchalant to pass on within their social network. cubicle phones too make individuals usable anywhere, and anytime, which changes the way that individuals atomic number 18 choosing to interact in social settings with other(a) individuals. In this paper I forget face how the cell phone has had an impingement on social relationships and social interactions in todays society.I leave alone first show how the creation of having a cellular phone has changed the concept of social space and time among social relationships and interactio ns. Second, I will show how individuals sport shown to control some form of a dependency to the practise 3 and possession of a cellular phone. Following that, I will provide research that demonstrates how SMS (Short Message Service) has taken on its own form of communication in relationships, and has get under ones skin more predominate in comparison to voice calls.Lastly I will provide an overall conclusion of the impact that the utilisation of cellular phones has had in regards to social interactions and interpersonal relationships. The Change of stead and Time/Proximal Relationships Since the 18 th century, the idea of using the mobilise has always been a fixed mentality in regards to accessibility. The phone was set(p) at a fixed location, usually in a post or office, and you would have to be in that location where the phone was in order to be able to receive and answer incoming phone calls.This bore the concept of sitting and waiting by the phone for someone to call, since at one time it was the totally option. With the development of technologies, there have been ways to alter this mentality there was the creation of the answering machine, which allowed for you to access messages from missed phone calls when you returned home, which did not always allow for a agile relay of a message nor reply, and more recently the creation and dispersion of the cellular phone. Cellular phones have taken this concept and spun it or so on itself.With the development of cellular phones, individuals are able to remain in close and eye blinkaneous contact with members of their social network regardless of where they are in the world. In addition to keeping up with social relationships, individuals have besides been able to increase productivity with their work because they shadow be hundreds of miles external from the office, and still have instant access to their e-mail, documents and contacts wherever they are (Tully, 2003). There is no longer a discon nection. 4 The concept of cosmos amicable anywhere and anytime has shown to have both positives and negative results in a social setting older generations for example have typically been scornful of junior generations pulling out their cell phones in restaurants, classrooms, macrocosm transportation and other existence spaces (Banjor, Hun and Sundar 2007). Cell phone usage in a public place typically generates a negative response when apply in close approximation to other individuals, as it is seen as a haphazardness to their personal space, with little or no con spotration from the cell phone user. affable interaction signifies that we are aware of the existence of others, as puff up as implies active engagement between two or more give outies (Banjor, Hun &038 Sundar 2007). Cell phones have allowed individuals to surpass time and space and have any confabulation that they choose, wherever they choose. With public conversation comes public invasion, meaning that you are occupy into others personal spaces by talking out sporty nearly your own personal spaces coming off as blunt and/or rude which links to alienation of oneself.A trend that is becoming more apparent is present absences this is the concept of how an individuals presence in a social setting changes regardless of their physical presence, they are only half-present (Fortunati 2008). After a ring or buzz of their mobile phone, they are drawn away somewhere else, away from their present situation and/or conversation. Through observation, researchers have found that individuals typically will not break to interrupt an ongoing conversation to answer the ringing of their cell phone.This has several repercussions. In answering the ringing cell phone, the individual who is presently being conversed with, has described feeling a sense of being left alone, which plunder cause social anxiety, as well as resentment/ concern towards the individual who answered the phone call (Humphreys 2009). T he change of space and time through the use and accessibility of cellular phones has changed the way in which people communicate with other individuals.With the ease of being 5 accessible anywhere at anytime, individuals are finding that they are becoming dependent on their cell phone on a day-to-day basis. Cell phones are allowing individuals to stop consonant in a constant connection with anyone and everyone in their social network. In the next section I will explain how this dependency is being seen, created and acted upon by individuals. Cell Phone Dependency As mentioned above, cell phones are becoming increasingly popular among the general population. Due to their increasing popularity, more and more people are obtaining them for themselves.In having a cell phone, individuals are becoming reliant on them from day-to-day to stay in contact with other individuals in their social networks, as described throughout this section. Cell phones are not a bran-new concept for all ge nerations. There are individuals who have gown up in the cell phone age, and do not think anything of it. Today, 45% of adolescents aged 12-17 possess a cellular phone in the United States (Leung 2008), making it one of, if not the, al to the highest degree popular way to communicate with other individuals. darn cell phones have change by reversal less of a tatus symbol and more of a manner statement, they have also created an unspoken social dependency. Leisure boredom, which is a kin of dependency to cell phones described as an individual who is found to flummox bored with their current situation, has proven to lead to cell phone dependency (Leung, 2008). For adolescents and young adults, as leisure boredom arose, they were more standardizedly to be found prosecute in SMS messages, making phone calls, accessing the internet from their phone or playing a mobile driven game.Once there is an factor of boredom his or her attention is drawn immediately to his or her cell phone device for an instant connection 6 to someone, somewhere. Through a series of surveys it was shown that the higher rate of leisurely boredom, the more give away use of a cell phone occurred (Leung 2008). Sensation seeking air has also linked adolescents and young adults to have the desire to take risks with relationships, rules and roles (Leung 2008). Individuals seek out entertainment and avoid boredom as with anything there are permit times and in get times.This concept translates over to cell phone use as well, people will use their cell phones at appropriate and inappropriate times, simply to satisfy a social urge/ want/need. This category was supported signifi basetly by relationships between individuals who were cell phone addicted via magician seeking, demonstrating that the cell phone was used more for entertainment, reading and social connectivity (Leung 2008). For example, an individual using their cell phone on the side of the road when they break down vs. using th eir cell phone to ripe say Hi to someone, or chitchat with another person.Self approve, a third dependency category examined the standardized idea that individuals with low self esteem typically do not communicate as much with others, and are more prone to expect a negative response from those whom they do contact. However, it is thought that individuals who have low self esteem will in truth use their cell phone more to try and establish social networks, and build relationships without having all of the pressures of a face-to-face encounter with an individual, as well as to try and reach out to other individuals (Reid and Reid 2007). Research shows that individuals ho have low self-pride seek out more frequent use of the cell phone to seek to establish new relationships and try and gain an element of control in their social relationships. This makes it easier for individuals with lower self-esteem to form and maintain social relationships. Along with the factors listed above, u mteen individuals have utter that they cannot imagine not having their cell phone with them on a quotidian basis. The integration of cell phones 7 into our daily lives is exaggerated in how jr. generations talk about not being able to imagine themselves without their phones now (Thompson &038 Cupples 2008).Their imaginaries include cell phones their senses of self are tied up with this engine room as is evident in the following quotations I except cant imagine myself without a cell phone now. . . when I shamt have my phone I always feel like Im missing something . . . (Samantha, 14) My phones always in my skirt pocket at school so its just always there. And if I, like, leave it in my locker by accident, or its in my bag, I panic cos I dont know where Ive put it cos Im used to having it in my pocket . . . its just a permanent part of you. Michelle, 15, emphasis added) Individuals are forming an attachment to their cell phones, which enables them to think that they cannot funct ion without their cell phone on a day-to-day basis. There are many factors that lead to cell phone dependency, such as leisure boredom, sensation-seeking behavior and low self esteem as described above. Another aspect of the cellular world that contributes to dependency and changes the way in which we socially interact on a daily basis is SMS Text electronic messaging. SMS Text Messaging as a Social InteractionShort Message Service (SMS/Text Message) was first developed in 1990 in an effort to allow operators to notify customers when there was some type of a service issue or a network problem. This service has now become one of the most common ways in which individuals use their cell phones to communicate with others. In 2002 80% of all cell phone users in the United States were blitherers, however by 2006 that number was almost reduced by half, dropping to only 42%, with the other 58% being Texters (Fernando 2007).Many researchers have expressed concern that the increased use of SMS messaging will cause face-to-face interaction to become non-existent, as well as poor grammar by frequent 8 users. Research has shown however, that school text edition messaging between individuals can actually create stronger ties between individuals as well as act as a buffer to face-to-face interactions with a new individual. Communicating through a text message allows individuals to not only take their time composition a more thought out reply, but it also alleviates the pressures that companion a first encounter/face-to-face meeting.With the popularity of SMS messaging, individuals are using it more and more, and in an effort to send more text messages, a new language is being created that is making experts worried that grammar will overlooked. Individuals who are systematic texters have created new acronyms for various words to get their point/idea across faster than if they were to type out the entire message. For example LOL is the said(prenominal) as saying Laug hing Out Loud, OMG is equivalent to Oh My God, and finally TTYL, which refers to Talk To You Later.SMS/Text messaging has become more popular among younger generations in comparison with older generations. Sending and receiving text messages is a form of communication with others that can be secretive and discrete parents/teachers cannot intercept or have access to what is being sent back and forth. In 2001 Nokia conducted a widely distributed survey of 3,300 people, under age 45, over 80% of those that were surveyed reported that text messaging was the most used function on their mobile phones (Reid and Reid 2004).With its popularity suppuration at an exponential rate, text/SMS messaging has also become a new way for individuals to form new relationships, and strengthen existing ones. Teens admitted expenditure nearly an equal amount of time talking as they do texting each month. The feature is so important to them that if texting was no longer an option, 47 percent of teens say their social life would end or be worsened especially among females (54 percent compared to 40 percent of males) (CTIA Survey 2008).In addition, individuals seize to see text messaging as a comfortable, easy and potent means of communication for younger people (Thompson and 9 Couples 2008). Without the pressures that come along with a voice or face-to-face conversation, text messaging allows individuals the time to spend composing their thoughts and making edits to their responses before sending them to others. Composing heedful responses to text messages also allows for an element of privacy at any abandoned time and /or place for individuals to communicate, thus relating back to the change in concept of Space &038 Time.Messaging back and forth allows for an often unseen and unhearable communication between individuals, as well as fewer limitations to where and when they can communicate, and text messaging has served more for filler communication, and less for operable/ p ragmatic communication between individuals. Filler messages relate to messages regarding, friendship maintenance, romantic, social functions, and/or boredom and loneliness.A study on a group of undergraduates showed that only about one third of the text messages that were being sent were actually functional/practical information the rest was a combination of filler messages (Reid &038 Reid 2004). Social interactions via text message seem to serve as more of an instant personal contact with someone else, without having to worry about your personal expression and actual interaction. Sending and receiving text messages is a new concept for most generations, and changes the way in which individuals are required to interact.By communicating through text message, individuals are not required to interact with others socially in a face-to-face manner, they can do it all via messaging. While this is a convenient way and discrete way to communicate with another person, it has changed the way that individuals are reacting with others not only in a social setting, but also in how they are maintaining their existing relationships, and building new relationships. 10 death Our society today is one that is based on technology, and technological advances.Technology as a whole will always have an effect on the way that individuals function in society, and while there has not been a roundabout of research on the effects of cellular phone use, it has both positive and negative consequences. Cell phones in their small time in existence have changed the way in which individuals are interacting with each other. Cell phones have provided avenues for individuals to stay connected on a new level that does not depend on space or time, but is readily accessible at any time, anywhere.Never being disconnected has allowed social networks and relationships to be strengthened as well as new relationships formed. Cell phones have also allowed individuals all over the world whom, without the cell phone would never have access to all of the networks, assets and information that they do via the mobile phone. While it has provided a new avenue to social networking and interactions, the change in the space and time concept has also had a negative affect as well.Many of us have likely experienced a situation where we have been in the presence of a cell phone user who is engaging in some form of rude behavior that lacks respect for the individuals around them. Cell phones have changed the way that individuals socially interact. Individuals are communicating more via text messages and cell phones than they are face-to-face, changing our social environment. Individuals have become enveloped in their cell phones and less aware of their social surroundings, missing out on possible new social interactions.There is still a lot of future research still needs to be done on the long-term affects of the mobile phone and social relationships. Something that should be looked at is ho w the mobile phone effects relationships over time, as well as what the long term health effects are, and how the access and use of cell phones varies through different socioeconomic classes. However, you 11 can see how in its piddling history, cell phones have already had a huge impact on the way individuals interact with one another. 12 References Teens Who Text. 2008.Communications of the ACM 51(11)19-19 (http//search. ebscohost. com/login. aspx? direct= accredited&038db=aph&038AN=35211892&038site=ehostlive). immature Information Technologies and the Fate of Rationality in coeval Culture. 2006. Russian Social Science Review 47(6)65-85. Agosto, Denise E. and Sandra Hughes-Hassell. 2005. People, places, and questions An investigation of the everyday life information-seeking behaviors of urban young adults. Library &038 Information Science Research (07408188) 27(2)141-163. Atkin, Charles K. 1972. expect Communication and Mass Media Information-Seeking. The Public Opinion Qua rterly 36(2)188-199. Boase, Jeffery. 2008. personal Networks and the personalised Communication System. Information, Communication &038 Society 11(4)490-508. Fernando, Angelo. 2007. 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