Mobile phones are arguably one of the most promising inventions of the 21st century. Today, mobile phones are developed to levels where they can facilitate various means of communication including text messages, voce calls, video calling, call conferencing, connecting to the internet, image sharing, information processing and sharing, and social networking. Initially, my reason for acquiring a mobile phone was to keep in touch with family, friends, and beloved ones. However, this primary reason developed many reasons for me to use a cell phone including acting as a personal assistance. Since I acquired a mobile phone, my life has drastically changed. I am able to keep in touch with my family members and friends without barriers. Secondly, it acts as a social networking device and as my personal information manager.
It has increased the number of people with whom I am able to communicate. I addition to that, it has also greatly increased the speed with which I communicate with people. It is therefore a convenient way of connecting my life, holding a lot of information, and solving many issues. Unlike before, I am always updated with current information since I can connect to the Internet anytime anywhere. My cell phone has greatly transformed and extended my relationship with media. The physicality of the world around me has not changed; instead, the stream of digital information flying over my head is what has changed. I can now carry out tasks, ask for help timely, study, work without face-to-face contact in some cases, an opportunity I did not enjoy before I acquired a cell phone.
Despite the benefits that come with using my cell phone, there are several unintended consequences that have come such as; instant messaging and selfish communication. Personally, I no longer hold face-to-face conversations with distant friends and family members. Instead, I prefer text messaging. With electronic communication, my e-conversations have taken precedence over real and live ones. There are many instances when I’ve been in the midst of lively and engaging discussions when a high-pitched noise from my cell phone draws me out of the present sphere into a new conversation. Such instances have changed my image on people I am conversing with. Secondly, selfish-ism is at its best with delayed responses especially with text messages. I have had many instances when I am busy solving some tasks and I receive an important text message. Often, I tend to put the urgency on hold and continue with thy tasks. In these situations, I have found real live people interrupting my electronic interactions; while it’s the other way round. Urgency first and the rest follows. I can refer to these instances as unintended consequences because I am always to blame for being slow and inconvenient in matters of urgency (Powell 18). The following is my interview with my friend Janet pertaining to her relationship with her cell phone.
Me: Hello Janet, how can you describe your relationship with your cell phone, how has it affected your life?
Janet: Hello, wellmy cell phone is a phenomenal; I literally cannot live without it. I have programmed it in accordance to my schedules, school time table, my personal life and my public life. Unlike before, I am able to plan ahead, make my to-do list in my phone and follow it.
Me: Alright, why did you originally decide to use your cell phone?
Janet: I have found a cell phone to be very convenient since it is mobile. As a means of communication, I acquired one in order to communicate with my friends and family anytime anywhere. Secondly, I wanted a gadget that would act as a personal assistance, so I owned a cell phone.
Me: What unintended consequences have come about because of your relationship with the technology?
Janet: Since I started using my cell phone, I could posit that there are several unintended consequences that have come along including; taking the blame for failing to answer calls or replying to messages in time. In most cases, I could be holding critical discussions which demand total cooperation attention. Therefore, I put my cell phone in silent mode to avoid disruption. Subsequently, if a person tries to reach me via my phone, I do not answer and in these instances, people on the other side assume that I am literally ignoring them which is not the case.
Me: In what ways are your experiences typical or atypical of others’ use of the same technology?
Janet: Well, people live differently and have different experiences. However, the issue of cell phones regarding communication is paramount. Largely, my experiences with using my cell phone are typical of others. Everyone values their friends, when hanging out with friends, I find some friends switching off their cell phones so as not to be interrupted with unexpected calls. Such scenarios are similar to mine. It all depends with urgency, how important an issue is compared to another, and convenience.
Me: Thank you Janet for sharing your relationship with your cell phone with me. I highly value your response.
Janet: Regards. I have enjoyed the time we’ve shared.
Similar to Janet’s view, cell phone is wonderful gadget that connects us to people and the world around us. A cell phone enables one to keep in touch with family members and friends without any barrier. Compared to Janet, I find my relationship with my cell phone good and significant to my life. It assists me in various capacities, gives me direction, updates me through the internet, and keeps me closer to people. As a convenient way of connecting my life, it has greatly increased the speed with which I communicate with people. My life without my cell phone would be difficult, unimaginable, and strenuous. Thanks to this invention, I can comfortably communicate, search information, plan my schedules, and manage both my private and public life.
Works Cited
Powell, Crystal. Me and My Cell Phone: And Other Essays on Technology in Everyday Life. Mankon, Bamenda: Langaa Research & Pub, 2012. Print.
