The Societal Impact of Mobile Communication Devices
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.