March 2009 - Posts
Last week was intense. I started a new job, that is busy, busy, busy, and I've started up another grad school course that is pretty heavy reading. Add to that being a single mom of two young boys and my plate was certainly full! This past weekend I was feeling very heavy-laden for all of the responsibility I was carrying, and wondering what I should do to try and restore some balance to my life. Instead of offloading some of my responsibilities, I just reached out to God in prayer and asked him to help give me peace in the midst of my hectic and demanding life.
After I was done praying, a peace washed over my body, and has remained since. It's a beautiful thing to know and trust the creator of the universe.
We had a wonderful time yesterday eating pizza, then watching Monster's vs. Aliens in 3D! It was great fun. In this picture, Justin is sandwiched by his school chums, Andrew and Gabriel. Below is the fun SpongeBob cake that I found at Harris Teeter!
Tonight we're going to Pizza Hut, and then to see Monsters vs. Aliens in 3-D! Should be fun!
I ran out of gas today for the first time ever! Never again. It was quite a hassle. It goes to show how hectic my week was, that I actually forgot to get gas. It was insane.
Before reading this blog entry, please view this video on the evolution of the mobile phone.
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Personal mobile phones were first launched in the 1980's and have revolutionized communication. China passed the 600 million mark for subscribers in mid-2008, representing, by far, the world’s largest mobile market. Worldwide, there are more than 4 billion mobile subscribers (Acharya, 2008). In 1998, more mobile phones were sold than cars and PC combined (The Evolution of the Mobile Phones, 2007). What are the societal implications for a technology that has penetrated the global market unlike any other since, perhaps, the television?
Social Constructivism vs. Technological Determinism
The answer to the question of impact will vary depending on the view of the author. A social constructivist will tell you that people shape technology; not vice-versa (Campbell & Russo, 2003). A subscriber to the theory of technological determinism is of the opinion that technology advances along its own path, and social progress follows behind it, and is shaped by it (Campbell & Russo, 2003).
Is there any other lens through which to view the question? Absolutely. It's called social realism. Social realism recognizes that the relationship between technology and culture is a two-way street, rather than taking a position of a one-way causative model (Thurlow, Tengle & Tomic, 2008).
To say that mobile phone technology has only positive effects, or strictly negative effects, is not reflective of reality. As Postman describes, "a bargain is struck in which technology giveth and technology taketh away. The wise know this well, and are rarely impressed by dramatic technological changes, and never overjoyed" (Postman, 1993, p. 5).
Benefits of Mobile Communication Devices
Users cite myriad of reasons for cell phone use:
- Safety, security and use in emergency situations
- Logistics purposes, such as arranging times and places for meeting
- Self-presentation and social expression
- An umbilical cord for parents to keep track of their children
Mobile devices have afforded individuals more freedom because users can control incoming calls by themselves (Ischii, 2006). On the other hand, some users report reduced freedom if they are unable to turn off their phone or ignore calls, such as business users. "58% of business users agreed with the statement that mobile device use decreases their freedom. In contrast, less than 27% of private users agreed with the statement" (Iishii, 2006, p. 348). Gitlin (2002) accounts for this contrary perspective by submitting that "friendship makes intrusion welcome" (p. 57).
The increased-versus-loss of freedom is an interesting dynamic in the youth population. On one hand, mobile communication devices are an umbilical cord to their parents, and this umbilical cord can even be extended into college. Because of national calling plans with fixed monthly costs, students away at school may be expected to call their parents on a much more frequent basis (Ling, 2007). Despite constant parental access, the freedoms gained offset the potential for parental infringement. Ling (2007) describes mobile communication devices as "a portal to the peer group" (p. 64). Not only is the peer group always accessible, but phone conversations are not as easily monitored by parents. Teens can interact on a more continuous basis, eliminating some parental constraints. Mobile communication also tends to lead to tightly integrated small groups (Ling, 2007). Some evidence suggests that the readily available social network could reduce depression by providing a means of accessible social support (Ischii, 2006). An interesting question for consideration is if this increased access to a particular group fosters a clique culture.
An additional cited benefit of mobile phones is the option to avoid real-time conversations through texting in uncomfortable situations, or where face-to-face contact is undesirable (Ling, 2007).
Most current models of mobile devices contain a camera feature. "Documentation through photography reinforces our connections to others" (Gye, 2008, p. 281). This helps create the mobile phone as a preferred method of CMC because of the visual representation afforded by the camera, bringing the user that much closer to face-to-face interaction (Gye, 2007).
Negative Effects of Mobile Communication Devices
Social Etiquette
Violation of social etiquette is certainly nothing new. However, the widespread adoption of mobile communication affords a whole host of violations. Phone users "invade the sanctity of public space, creating a public nuisance" (Gye, 2007, p. 348). This, again, is what Postman (2003) refers to as a Faustian Bargain; for every advantage, there is a disadvantage.
Social Consequences
Is there the potential for degraded social skills in generations growing up with electronically-mediated communication and socialization? Some research suggests that a high reliance on asynchronous communication could result in the lessening of face-to-face social skills in high users of mobile media (Ischii, 2006).
Health and Safety
Accidents caused by drivers texting or talking on their mobile devices has certainly been a subject of heated debate. Many states have already moved to pen legislation against such activities while behind the wheel. More states are also requiring officers to gather information surrounding cell phone use during accidents to provide a better statistical picture of the role of mobile devices in traffic accidents (Lance, 2008).
Research in the area of mobile device radiation has been inconclusive (AlOrainy, 2003). Some studies show no correlation to mobile device usage and brain tumor risk, while other studies have reported an increase in the likelihood of tumor development on the side of the head where the handset is held (AlOrainy, 2003). Clearly, more work needs to be done in this area. It is possible that the true impact, or lack thereof, cannot be accurately assessed until use has been more long-term.
Future research is needed on the health effects of mobile communication devices, as well as the impact on social capital and social skills. Since it is likely that individuals already predisposed to social awkwardness may be more inclined toward mobile mail and texting, consideration for prior low-level social skills must be taken into account. Cultural factors must also be taken into account as some cultures, such as the Japanese, tend to possess more shyness in their communications (Ischii, 360).
Regardless of the positive and negative consequences of mobile communication devices, one thing is certain:
"Technological change is not additive, it is ecologicial. A new medium does not add something, it changes everything" (Postman, 1998).
References
Acharya, S. (2008). Worldwide Mobile Cellular Subscribers to Reach 4 Billion Mark Late 2008. Retrieved on March 25, 2008 from http://www.itu.int/newsroom/press_releases/2008/29.html.
AlOrainy, A. (2003). Mobile Phone Effects. Institute of Electronics Research.
Campbell, S. W. & Russo, T.C. (2003). The Social Construction of Mobile Telephony: An Application of the Social Influence Model to Perceptions and Uses of Mobile Phones within Personal Communication Networks. Communication Monographs, 20, 317-334.
Gitlin, T. (2002). Media Unlimited. How the Torrent of Images and Sounds Overwhelms Our Lives. New York: Holt.
Ischii, K. (2006). Implications of Mobility: The Uses of Personal Communication Media in Everyday Life. Journal of Communication, 56, 346-365.
Lance, K. (2008). Cell Phone Statistics. Retrieved on March 27,
2008 from
http://www.newsdial.com/technology/communication/cell-phone-statistics.html
Ling, R. (2007). Children, Youth and Mobile Communication. Journal of Children and Media, 1, 60-67.
Postman, N. (1998). Five Things We Need to Know about Technological Change. Retrieved on March 15, 2009 from http://jesuitnet.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_2567_1%26url%3d
Postman, N. (1993). Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology. New York: Vintage.
The Evolution of the Mobile Phone. (2007). [Video]. Retrieved on March 26, 2009 from http://www.articlesbase.com/videos/5min/19733841.
Thurlow, C., Lengel, A., & Tomic, A. (2008). Computer Mediated Communication. Los Angeles: Sage.
That the U.S. is losing its position as the world's greatest superpower, when this is the kind of news that takes "Top Story" position in the media?
Are we just a bunch of morons, or what? This makes me shudder.
I like kitchenwares. Kitchen stores. Small applicances. Kitchen gadgets, etc. Problem is I'm stingy and don't buy myself things much. I managed to break a knob off of my toaster oven, and went to Target to replace it. While I was there, I decided to treat myself to two other small appliances. I bought a new toaster oven, a belgian waffle maker, and a new toaster. Yay!
I also went to look at houses today. I really, really liked one of them a lot, especially the neighborhood.
Having fun in my new communication and technology course, and I start my new job tomorrow (same company, new role).
I've had a lot going on, and that is why I haven't been blogging. I've been pretty mentally drained, and haven't felt like it. Things are good though.
Mmm. Pop tarts. I love my new toaster. <GreatBigGrin />
My roommate from college has this video on her Facebook. This two year old girl can find dozens and dozens of countries on a world map on command. At first I wasn't as impressed, until they started shooting off countries such as Turkmenistan. LOL.
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I pulled out of my parking space today and was driving out of the community and just as I was slowing at the stop sign, I heard a loud crunch of metal as someone plowed into the back quarter panel of my truck. He didn't see me when he was backing out of his garage. Bummer.
The kids were in the car with me, but no one was hurt. I felt bad for the guy. His wife was ticked at him and started yelling at him. Then she started crying. At least I was nice to him. I'm hoping that when I extend grace to others, that it comes back to me when I'm the one that is in the wrong.
So I missed church today. :-(
Now that I think about it, someone at work did send an email about it, but I glanced over it so quickly that it didn't render with me. And that was the only thing I heard of it. Oh well.
What a great day! Today, the kids and I went to The Overlook; A neat spot by the airport along the runway that lets you get a close look at planes taking off and landing. They loved it! The kids both commented on the cigarette butts that people had strewn about. Both of them are highly irritable when people litter. Tristan made me chuckle today with this comment:
"It does my heart bad when people litter."
After we watched a bunch of planes, we headed over to Freedom Park for a nice walk, and the kids played in the stream. While we were there, Justin found a carved memorial stone and insisted on reading the full text before we could continue on. He then wanted to find more erected memorials so he could read more placards. I told him we'd go to the zoo sometime, so he could read all the signage he wanted. That made him happy. Here's a picture of him reading the memorial.
Here are the boys playing in a tree at Freedom Park
And here they are along the lake at the park
We had a great day!
I got the results back this week from the CMS lottery application. I did not get the middle school placement that I wanted for Tristan, so I'm moving to a neighborhood that is zoned for a school I want.
It's a drag to have to pack up and move, but if that's what it takes to get Tristan in the best school, that's what I'll do.
So long Marquis.
I was listening to NPR on my drive home from the office today and I heard an interesting story about what is happening to some foreclosed homeowners. In a nutshell, the homeowners have foreclosure proceedings started and must vacate their homes. They move out, and criminals strip the houses; pipes, siding, chimney, you name it. The bank, in the meantime, is trying to unload the house at sheriff's auction. No bids are made. The bank decides to do nothing.
What happens next? The home stays in the name of the homeowner since the bank can't unload it. The homeowner starts receiving fines from the city for housing code violations. This is how they find out the house is still in their name, because they had no idea it was, previously. No one notifies them of this.
The city decides to demolish the house because it is an unsightly mess after being stripped and sitting vacant and dilapidated.
The homeowner gets the demolition bill.
Awesomeness.
Saturday Movie Night was very interesting last night. We watched a documentary about the evil and predatory credit card companies, and the irresponsible people, in joint culpability, who eagerly volunteer themselves for victimhood.
I had some difficulty procuring it yesterday afternoon. The kind folks at Hollywood Video, while helpful and pleasant, are alphabetically challenged, and filed it between E and F. 
I don't know what happened. Somewhere along the line I'm slowly becoming an addict of social networking. Blargh!
I was a hold out for years; smuggly satisfied with myself for my ability to forego superfluous and shallow internet socializing. All those in my circle of friends that had succumbed to the lure were subject to my derision.
And now. I'm one of them.
*Sigh*