2-1 Cell phones and our Society

When cell phones first came out in the 1970’s they were a far cry from the popular mobile devices used today. In the 1970’s cell phones were big, bulky and required the use of a backpack or portable handset (TopBits, 2011). Eventually in the 1990’s, cell phones were upgraded to be made smaller, and cheaper that appealed to public. Cell phone use in the United States and worldwide and changed the way we do business and conduct our day to day activities.

                With the addition of text messaging, apps, and the internet use on cell phones, they have become not just a device used for talking to people. Many people, including myself, feel lost if they don’t have their phone with them. The first new addition to cell phones has been text messaging. This has changed the way many people communicate with each other, and has greatly affected young adolescents as to become a popular means of contact.  However, both positive and negative effects have come out of text messaging. The negative effects are higher risks in car crashes due to drivers trying to text and drive. In fact, according to a study at the Virginia Tech Institute, drivers who are texting while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash (Guevin, 2009). The positives to text messaging are an easier and quicker way to communicate with each other.

                Most phones purchased now contain downloadable applications or apps, as they are called, which include anything from maps, games, to ringtones. These apps are can be free while other can be downloaded for a small charge. These have influenced society because they have added the addition of smart phones to the market. The popular iphone has drawn some of the most appeal, due its technological savvy features including, a portable media player, access to e-mail web browsing, video camera, and touch screen. Since smart phones contain all of these features, a sort of competition has been going on to see who has the best cell phone on the market.

                The internet use on phones has also changed effected society. I can now easily access the weather, current news, and my social networking sites via my phone. This has increased the availability for many people to communicate quickly with each other. In fact, a recent study has shown that people, who seek news on their cell phones, are more likely to engage with people around them, versus someone talking on their cell phone (Goscicki, 2011). This shows that the addition of the internet and access of news on phones has actually contributed to people socializing more. Cell phones have significantly impacted society, and change the way we communicate.