My article discussed the social inequalities resulting from possession or lack of possession of a cell phone. It stated that for teenagers especially if a person does not own a cell phone they are essentially ostracized from many social groups. The idea is that if a person's phone number is not in your address book than they do not really exist. Teenagers seem to be on their cell phones even when they are with other people It seems to be the primary form of communication and therefore for teens who do not have a cell phone it is extremely difficult to socialize.
The article also said that teens are not the only ones who are dependent on their cell phones. Adults too appear to use their cell phones to do things like business calls as well as socialization. Cell phone users are able to call ahead when they are running late. Most cell phone users had a difficult time during the period of a study when they had to give up their phones for a few days. It seems that having a cell phone has become an important part of many people's lives. It is a primary form of communication and connection to other people.
http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2003/05/58861
Video Reflection
14 years ago
3 comments:
I was surprised how the recent lecture on inequities among Latinos and the internet/cell phone usage applies to your blog. I think if everyone was able to have a cell phone, particularly one with internet access it would help close the gap on the digital divide. Libraries that do not have fast internet connections or lack the amount of computers needed would not deepen the divide if everyone had access through their cell phone.
I think this is interesting because it focuses on the social implications of cell phone inequalities. When I think of the gaps in cell phone access, I think of people in third world countries who are unable to connect themselves with others around the globe. But there are certainly social consequences for people without cell phones within the United States, and I wonder what the effect of the social isolation you mentioned are (i.e. higher crime or drug rates?). But I also wonder if people who can’t afford cell phones tend to socialize with others who also can’t afford cell phones and therefore do not feel isolated.
I found this article intriguing as it pertained to teenagers, partly because I am one haha. I find alot of truth in it where teenagers are actually ostracized out of social groups if they can't afford a cellphone or dont own one. Keeping that in mind, I know for a fact that in third world countries such as Pakistan or India that it is alot more affordable to own a cellphone since all incoming calls are free and all incoming texts are free without the hassle of being bound in a contract of any sort. It is so affordable that there are even beggars on the streets that own a cell phone. Therefore, if it can be so affordable in a third country, why is it that in the U.S. that telecommunication costs are off the walls because if they werent, we could close the gap on the digital divide.
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