CHANGING LIVES WITH CELL PHONES
A phenomenal innovation in this age of technology is the mobile phone or the cell phone. Cell phone usage has entwined our life in the belief that all technologies make lives easier, better or more efficient. Amongst all mobile technologies, cell phones have become part and parcel of our lives such that many of us cannot think of life without a cell phone. For some people, the cell phone is simply a “phone”. However, for many, a cell phone means so much more. This is in light of the amazing usages of the cell phone today. The cell phone is no longer just a portable device for making or receiving calls anywhere. Cell phones, also called smart phones nowadays, are upgraded to carry fascinating features of both a phone and a computer. With high-end cell phones, one can use the various functions of the cell phone to call, text, email, video record, browse the internet, download, connect with friends thru Facebook, Twitter, play games, take pictures, among others. Interestingly, a mobile technology fact sheet (Pew 2014) indicates that 90 percent of American adults own a cell phone while 64 percent of American adults own a smart phone. “ Some smart phone owners — particularly younger adults, minorities and lower-income Americans — depend on their smart phone for internet access. Of the U.S. adults who own a smart phone, 7 percent are “smart phone-dependent”. 67 percent of cell phone owners find themselves checking their phone for messages, alerts, or calls — even when their phones are not ringing or vibrating. 44 percent of cell owners have slept with their phone next to their bed so as not to miss any calls, text messages, or other updates during the night. 29 percent of cell owners describe their cell phone as “something they can’t imagine living without.” (Pew 2014)
As such, people find great interest in the ownership and use of cell phones that offer varied interesting functions. Brizel (2013), a proponent of “Mobilology”, - a study of the effects of cell phones, claim that “we now live in a time of profound social upheaval equivalent to the Industrial Revolution”. It seems that people have no choice but embrace the cell phone and struggle to keep up with the technology. Indeed, mobile technologies especially the widely used cell phones are changing our lives.
Meanwhile, Hanson (2007) underscored that “ cell phones and the internet can be wonderful technologies for speed, efficiency and access to things we want or need, but at the same time, they can also be the cause of stress, anxiety and unhappiness and ultimately they can change the way we think about privacy, social relations and democratic practices”. It is further noted that “technologies promise much, but have many unintended consequences and that the relationship between technological innovation and social use results in new behaviors, attitudes and values” (Hanson). Given this, this paper contends that cell phones are technological devices that bring about innumerable benefits to the user, in society, in the family, the school, commerce and the community. However, there are drawbacks in cell phone usage including distractions that affect social interactions and behavior as well as safety and security concerns arising from misuse of cell phones such as in distracted driving and commuting that must be addressed. This paper propounds that even as the cell phones are a useful device, improper cell phone use equally pose dangers unless appropriate protocols are established and implemented to ensure that the ill consequences are curtailed while benefits are optimized.
Impact on social interactions and behavior
Cell phone use in public places. Easy communication and high connectivity are key benefits of cell phone use. Cell phones are easy to carry devices that have clearly made it easier to communicate through calls and texting. With the upgrades made on the cell phones, these devices have become more like portable computers where one can always be connected with friends through emails, chat and private messages and the like. Other uses include multiple functions such as playing games, listening to music, watching movies, browsing, making video calls, setting alarm, etc. However, despite the usefulness of the cell phone and the conveniences it offers, the improper use of the device can be distracting. In public places like the mall, restaurants, churches and theaters, loud cell phone ringers are annoying. Speaking on top volumes of a cell phone and engaging in senseless conversations in public can be sickening. Taking a call when one is in the company of friends or associates, particularly in a meeting can be distasteful as this can make those in the meeting feel less important than the voice coming from the cell phone. Discussing private matters involving unpleasant, uncalled for and incriminating information over the cell phone within hearing distance in public places is also disgusting. With the invention of hand-free cell phone, a double-edged sword of convenience and mistaken identity can result. Some may think that the user is talking to himself! (Cell phone etiquette 2016). A survey conducted by a cell phone maker, Nokia identified some behaviors that abhor people the most. It indicated that while family and friends are generally forgiving of our faults, other people may be less so. People who play games, movies, or music in public without using headphones and blast their activities through the phone's speaker at full volume so everyone within a half mile can hear it was considered as the most offensive behavior. The survey cited this as occurring “a million times on the subway in New York where somebody has the volume cranked while playing Angry Birds and you can hear it throughout the entire car”. This resulted in a subway car full of Angry Commuters. The second-most annoying habit also is volume related. Respondents recounted loud talkers encountered almost daily walking down the street, through the mall, while carrying on a conversation at full volume. Other irritants are people who use their cell phones to send text messages--or, worse, make phones calls--in movie theaters. Since movie theaters are dark and phone screens are bright, it is really distracting . when a cell phone lights up in a movie theater. Given the cost of movie tickets these days, checking on cell phones throughout the entire movie is really disturbing (Swann, E. 2015). These are a few of the distractions and unintended consequences of the misuse of the cell phone that users must be wary of. One should at all times be conscious of possible breach of etiquette and its ill effects on social interaction and behavior. Already, some institutions such as in churches, hospitals, theaters, government offices have come up with instructions to turn off or put phones in silent mode so as not to cause undue distractions. It is indeed important that cell phone etiquette and decorum be learned and observed by every user in all places.
Cell phone use in the family. Cell phones provide the most convenient and easy way to keep in touch regularly with family and friends, anywhere and at any time. Where a parent, a child or a sibling lives away from home, this communication device is a “breakthrough” for families that once had to rely on the traditional stationary and/or long-distance calls and surface mail in order to reach people they care about. Connectivity is such a big attribute of cell phones that connecting has never been easier and productive. Scott Coltrane, a Sociology professor of the University of Oregon claimed that this technology has brought families closer together, saying that “one of the best predictors of healthy child outcomes, particularly during adolescence and pre-adolescence is the extent to which parents can know where their children are, check on them, set some boundaries and be consistent in the limit setting that they need to do”. Mobile devices help parents and their kids feel better connected to each other. Likewise, Steve Ruggles, a director of the Minnesota Population Center claimed that kids communicate more with their parents today than in past generations with the use of the cell phone (As cited in Roope 2012). This is very true considering that working parents then did not have the means to talk with their children except through landlines in their workplace if ever the children are at home with house phones. Otherwise, if the children are in school they get to talk to their kids at limited time usually at night and at home after work.
If used appropriately, cell phones are valuable means to communicate among members of the family. However, Hanson (2007) pointed out the concern over how some individuals lose control over their use of the Internet and cell phones. There are addictive habits and behavior among family users that unfortunately negate the desirable results to a family of the use of the cell phones. It is not uncommon for a mother to multi-task by reaching a friend through texting while baby-sitting. Even toddlers know that they are competing with the mother’s attention even as the mother appear to care for the child. Distractions are also observed in the dining area where almost every member of the family has his cell phone on hand to respond to any call or text message that “need” to be taken or replied to.
Another important case that raises serious concern relates to the impact on real interaction within the family. Nowadays, members of the family regularly interact with other people on social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Chat, Viber. There is probably nothing wrong with this, except if such interactions are done at the expense of face-to-face interactions. This may take one away from real life activities and he /she may find it hard to interact with real people. Inappropriate social networking may cause irritations and annoyance especially in a family where every family member has a cell phone and interacts with others even when they are supposed to be bonding. In terms of child rearing, cell phones have also become a source of gaming material which the parent provides the child to keep him busy. It has some entertainment value but takes away from the child the honest- to- goodness joy of real physical game and play.
The proper use of the cell phone in the home cannot be overemphasized given the adverse effects particularly on behavior and its impact on quality life for the family. Parents must be able to lay down rules and train their children the correct cell phone usage and make sure that they themselves set a good example by following them. It is important that parents show the children how to use the phone, familiarizing them with the cell phone including safety features of entering contact information of approved individuals only and other emergency numbers. For security reasons, children must keep cell phone numbers private and should assess calls before answering There should be rules on the usage limit by designating time slots for cell phone use — perhaps after homework and chores are completed, or before dinner. Constant calls should not interrupt family time, such as meals or even the car ride to school. Parents should teach responsibility in the use of the cell phone and make the child understand that a cell phone is not a toy and its use entail costs. Parents should instill discipline in the use of the cell phone while together at home and everywhere they are. Parents must compel their children to exercise cell phone etiquette. In addition to enforcing their own rules, parents should make sure that their child respects the rules of other establishments, especially in public places where cell phones are required to be turned off or silenced ( 10 Tips 2016 ).
Thus far, it is actually all about how the family embraces the technology and how parents manage it for their children, themselves and the entire family and allow the cell phone technology to be useful in promoting quality family time.
Cell phone use in school. Most parents want their children, especially the young ones to have cell phones in school for scheduling and safety. Cell phones are useful means for children to contact parents when there are changes in class schedules. The child can easily contact their parents if an unsafe situation occurs to or from the school, in case of urgent situations or in light of recent terror attacks in schools. Cell phones provide easy access to parents especially since some schools allow the use of office phones only in case of illness or emergency.
Meanwhile, there is serious concern from both parents and school authorities regarding problems caused by a student’s misuse of the cell phone. Overuse of text messaging and misuse of the cell phone cause distractions in the classroom. The teacher is beset with the potential distraction from access to social network such as browsing, playing computer games, exchanging e-mail and internet messaging. Such distractions are irritating and difficult to control.
On the other hand, with the advent of mobile learning, cell phones, if used properly can be a learning tool. Johnson and Kritsons (2007) cited that with a cell phone in the classroom, a career and technical education teacher might be able to supervise a student’s phone interview for a possible internship or apprenticeship. It was also noted that because they are so focused on life skills, family and consumer sciences teachers who are certainly already teaching their students about proper cell phone etiquette,” This is an important lesson in personal responsibility that many adults are not conscious of and must be learned. Even teachers forget to silence their cell phone during class!
For a school with a limited internet access in classrooms, cell phones serve as mobile computers. The presence of high-end cell phones provides an opportunity for accessing useful educational and productive sites that may contribute towards enhancing school activities. This, however, demands great teacher control so that students do not access inappropriate content e.g. pornography and other wasteful information. Teachers must be able to assert the necessary and traditional control over classroom decorum to remain effective. The teacher has to deal with the issue of student attentiveness and discipline regarding cheating in particular by educating the students and enforcing new etiquette and protocols for control.
Cell phone use in virtual commerce. The Mobile Phone revolution, comparable with the Industrial Revolution started in 1973 when Martin Cooper of Motorola made the first call using the new gadget. The mobile phone was marketed in 1983 in USA at the price of US $4,000.00 per unit and blossomed to a multi-billion industry in the entire world. The best selling gadget was Nokia 1100 with 250 million units sold (Mobile Phone Facts 2015).
Now popularly known as Mobile Phones, cellphone and its current variants, smart phones and iPhone, have brought radical and amazing changes in the field of commerce and man's lifestyle. It has caused NOMOPHOBIA, an ailment among mobile phone users who fear uneasy and insecure without their treasured gadget This is the reason why ninety percent (90%) of cell phones in Japan are waterproof as the users take with them the gadget even when taking a bath. Japanese spend longer time in both private and public bath vis-a-vis the westerners who opt for quick shower (Mobile Phone Facts 2015).
The new way of buying things is called "virtual shopping". The traditional ways products and services are marketed and purchased have been significantly changed. Consumers can now do their shopping without stepping inside a store and/or supermarket. Even the practice of ordering through Catalogs and Mail Delivery has been modified also. Anyone with a mobile phone can check items or package of services wherever he/she is for as long as there is internet service. A person can multi-task even when doing something else. Unlike before, one has to sit down and go over the printed catalog which must be updated to select choice prior filling up the order form which has to be mailed later. Gone also is the need to sit down before a personal computer to browse or go over items of trade to select and order. Mobile phones with their new features and software allow a person watching a television, walking or taking care of a baby, etc. to shop the virtual or online manner. The consumer can also pay sans sending check payments or looking and swiping his/her credit card. The entire transaction can be consummated on the Mobile Phone.
Cell phone or mobile phone usage includes Electronic Banking. (Consumer 2012). Time and effort are greatly saved through banking using Mobile Phones. This is of big value for busy persons and where mobility is constrained by traffic, among others. It also lessens risks and losses. Money transfer, withdrawal, remittances and even financial updating are readily done.
Mobile technology likewise has facilitated ticketing through mobile ticketing (Why mobile 2011). Passengers, show watchers, hotel guests can simply show their reservations and ticket to board, enter and check-in in paperless fashion through the Mobile Phone display at both text and graphics with bar code and other security markings. In the stock market, with Mobile Phone on hand, players in the stock exchange can readily re-act on floor trading development even if they are miles away from where the action is happening. It is business without borders, so to speak. Mobile Phone has enhanced marketing and advertising too. The biggest and more expeditious way of reaching target customers and prospective clients is through mass broadcasting using Short Message System (SMS) and Multi-Media System(MMS).
Given the numerous business transactions expedited through the mobile technology, the security and sanctity of transactions through mobile phones are protected and insured with the use of User ID, authentication, encryption and One Time Password (OTP). OTP is the latest security measure now employed specially by credit card companies.
Safety Concerns
Dangers and risks of virtual commerce. The convenience and ease consumers do business nowadays using cell phone and its contemporary variants known as smartphone, iPhones or generally denoted as Mobile Phones have also spawned some disadvantages. The personal interaction between sellers and buyers has been minimized, if not totally lost. One "talks" and inquire with an instrument. Juggling for discounts or better terms is passé. Virtual shopping denies one the chance to feel, see and try the items he/she is buying. A customer’s recourse if something is wrong with the size, feel, etc. is to return the item. One spends time and effort sending back the item even with free shipping. Multitasking using Mobile Phones may cause accidents or serious errors as when one shops while taking care of a baby. Mobile banking may stress a client once glitches happen or the system is down when he/she needs it most. Mass "bombing" of consumers with ads is annoying and can complicate readouts. Most critical of all is that "it is not totally safeguarded from hackers and scammers who may cause consumers big financial losses.
A more serious concern on cell phone misuse is that terrorists are using mobile phone to denote bombs. Cell phones may also be used for tracking and stalking victims of harassment. There are also health concerns arising from radiations emitted by cell phones which some believe can cause insomnia, headaches and confusion (Mobile Phone Facts 2016). Thus, the convenience enjoyed by consumers in using cell phones and its modern very variants have both significant benefits and horrendous problems that must be properly pro-acted.
Risks of cell phone use while driving and commuting. There is a raging issue on the grave danger or risk of using cell phones even with the hands- free option and innovations designed to mitigate risks of cell phone use while driving. The proverbial $64 question is: "to ban or not the use of cell phone while driving, among other tasks?"
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quoting NHTSA's report of October 09, 2014 pointed that each day in the United States, more than 9 people are killed and more than 1,153 are injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.. It happens when the driver lose attention and concentration in driving like taking off his eyes on the road; taking his hands off the wheel; and while doing something else like using the cell phone, texting and using navigational systems. Some 69% of drivers in the US ages 18-64 had talked on their cell phone while driving. 31% of the same group texted or do emails(Distracted Driving 2014). The National Safety Council averred in their report in 2014 that"1 out of 4 car crashes involved cell phone use" (Cell phone 2015). The risk of cell phone use includes pedestrians who use cell phones while walking and crossing streets. A nationwide study conducted by the Ohio State University found out that "1,500 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for injuries sustained while walking and using the cell phone in 2010. Injuries vary from outright vehicle bump to falling in manhole or bridge. Young people from age 16 to 25 were the victims." (Grabmeier, J. 2013)
Cell phones and the community. On a positive note, the use of the cell phone has contributed immensely in linking and coordinating the members of the community (Tiwari, 2006). The sharing of vital information amongst them specially those relating to security and protection is now faster, easier and more dependable. One no longer needs an old fashioned "town crier" to alert and forewarn the people. The limited broadcast effect of bulletin boards and newsletters are similarly expanded with the mass sending of SMS and MMS against potential threats and elements including typhoons, floods, water surge and landslides warning and alerts. Even crime prevention and resolution are collectively undertaken through quick exchange of alerts and information. The target recipients are readily informed wherever they are.
Communicating community activities thru cell phones is commonplace. Notices to community activities like planning, meetings, and parties are easily disseminated. Sanitation and garbage collection becomes timely too. The people are made to prepare in advance for forthcoming electricity or water service interruptions. They can stock water and charge their flashlights and portable lights using batteries or solar energy. Through cell phone communications, transportation dysfunction such as accidents and road closures is remedied by informing the motorists and commuters who will look for alternative routes or postponed their trips to another time. Governance is also benefited by easier communications thru cell phones. Even the collection and payment of taxes, charges and fees has improved with reminders sent using SMS. Health warnings are also provided when contagious diseases and ailments surface in specific areas. Rescue work also depend on cell phones for quick response and recovery. On the whole, the benefits of cell phone usage cannot be underestimated in ordinary times and more so during times of emergency or in crisis period.
Conclusion and recommendations
As the “ubiquitous” cell phones have become an integral part of people’s lives, the quality of human lives is changing. Without realizing it, the change may be for better, sometimes for worse. It would seem that mobile technology has liberated our world as it affects one individually or the society, the family, the community and the entire global community. With heavy reliance on mobile technology, Turkle (2011) propounded that “ We expect more from technology and less from each other”. Thus, while technology has made the world smaller and brought people together, it threatens to push people apart. Admittedly, the value of the “must-have” device called cell phones have been diminished by the unintended negative consequences which include adverse behavioral effects impairing relationships in the family and elsewhere. The fears for the adverse impact of this technology on our lives may be allayed by the ability of man to control its use.
It is established that the freedom of information and right to communication should generally be upheld and given due recognition. It is, however, equally important to insure that the interest and well-being of other persons and the general society are not jeopardized. For this reason, it augurs well if guidelines and protocols are drawn and implemented to insure order, safety and propriety at home, in schools, transportation, medical institutions, markets, workplaces, restaurants, places of worship, and other public places. The following are some guidelines on the use of cell phones. To avoid distractions and annoyance, the volume of cell phones must be modulated and users must speak in low voice. The phones must be shut off or put in flight mode when in school rooms, planes, hospital rooms, places of worship, meetings, plenary halls and when so required. To insure propriety and decorum while dining or attending meetings, users must step out of the room if making or receiving call or message is necessary Cell phones must not be used while driving and undertaking physical activities as this may result in accidents. Users must observed strictly safety measures to protect them from scammers, hackers and similar bad elements when using their phones for financial and transactions.
. In the home front, parents must be able to instill discipline in the proper use of cell phones. There should be designated time for work, study and play so that addiction to cell phones should be curtailed. Parents should set the example and serve as role models in adapting to technology. For one, parents should be able to highlight the importance of real life interactions rather than virtual interactions that can be superficial and even be narcissistic especially for the young adults. The very young children may enjoy the benefits of virtual entertainment through games and videos but should be encouraged to go out and enjoy the real world of children’s play. Cell phones should not be allowed to intrude in the family dinner table. Likewise, bonding time should not be disrupted or pervaded by interactions in Facebook and Twitter. When families are not together, it makes sense to create a family group and make private messages to keep the family connected anywhere at any time.
In school, while parents want their children to have cell phones in school for safety and scheduling reasons, they should also be able to collaborate with the teacher so that distractions are avoided. To insure that parents take control of their children’s cell phone usage, parents can avail of services of mobile providers that feature controls on the use of the cell phones e.g. on the numbers called, time called, services accessed, and customized restrictions. On the one hand, teachers must be able to educate the students and instill discipline on the proper use of the cell phone. Rules on etiquette and protocol must be established and implemented.
References
Brizels, F.(2014) Why We all need a degree in “Mobilology”. http://www.brizelmedia.com.
Consumers and Mobile Financial Services, ( 2012)
http://www.federalreserve.gov/econresdata/mobile-device-report-202-pdf.
Cell phones are involved in an estimated 27 percent of all car crashes. National Safety council
website. http://www.nsc.org/Connect/NSCNewsReleases/Lists/Posts
Cell phone etiquette. http://www.businesstrainigworks.com/training-resources/cell-phone-
Etiquette
Distracted Driving (2014). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclessafety/distracted-driving
Driving cell phones and texting. Insurance Institute for highway Safety Distracted website.
http://www.iihs.org/topics/laws/cellphonelaws
Facts and Statistics (2016). http://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-
statistics.html
Grabmeier, J. (2013) Research and Innovation Communications Distracted Walking Ohio
http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/distractwalk.htm
Jarice Hanson Praeger, 2007 How cell phones and the Internet change the Way we Live, Work
and Play Westport, Connecticut London: http://books.google.com.ph
Johnson, C. & Kritsonis, W. November 2007 National school debate banning cell phones on
public school campus in America,National Forum of Educational Administration and
Supervision Journal Vol.25. Houston Texas. http:// www.national forum.com.
Mobile Phone facts (2016) Factslides website. http://www.factslides.com/s-mobile-phones
Mobile Technology Fact Sheet (2014) Pew Research Center. http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheets/mobile-technology-fact-sheet
Roope, Jim September 2012 How mobile tech affects the family CNN (CNN Radio Soundwaves,
http://www.cnnradio.cnn.com
Swann, E. (2015) Cell phone etiquette. Elaine Swann Lifestyle and Etiquette. http://www.elaineswann.com/cell-phone-eiquette
Tiwari, R., Buse S. & Herstaff, (2006) Global Innovation. Asian Development Bank .
http:://www. Global.inovation.net/publication/PDF/APTM
Turkle, S. Alone Together. Why We expect More From Technology and Less from Each Other . Basic Books, 2011. Print, 8.
Why mobile commerce is set to explode. March 2011.
http.//www.mobilepaymenttoday.com/new/report
Zeman, E.(2011) Bad Cell phone Behavior: Are you being rude? Information Week. http://www. informationweek.com/mobile/mobile-devices/behavior-are-you-being-rude
10 Tips for cell phone safety (2016). Scholastic website. http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/your-child-technolgy/10 tips-cell-phone-safety
