Fitzsimmons 1 Alexis Fitzsimmons Professor Robisch College Writing I / Research Paper November 13, 2013

Cell Scene Investigation Its hard to imagine that there are a select few among the world that do not have cell phones. Many by choice are stuck in the Stone Age, and lack instant communication. Furthermore, there is a decrease in the amount of people who still own house phones. Typically because almost everyone has a contract with a multibillion dollar corporation. Most will agree that cell phones have helped the world more than they have caused setbacks. However, many consequences are associated with cellular devices, and it is often wondered what mental and social effects they have among the human race. Cell phones have been around for decades. Many can probably recall the 1983 Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, commonly referred to as the Zack Morris phone, popular on the classic television show, Saved by the Bell. Because these cell phones were expensive, the only ones who really used them were high end business workers, or doctors. Through the 1990s, it was common for people to use pagers more than cell phones because they were practical, inexpensive, and people were not pressured to be reached within a moments notice. Since they made their original appearance, cell phones have been constantly updating, allowing more functions for its user. With that being stated, it is questioned that the newest technology has made society socially awkward. This is paraxial considering cell phones have helped the new age by having advancing communication tremendously. With modern cell phones, now referred to as smartphones it is

Fitzsimmons 2 possible to do almost anything. Popular social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Skype, Vine, along with several others are now available in an application format allowing access wherever. These connections are literally available at the users fingertips, and are used to stay in touch with loved ones, family, and friends. With this instant availability, it is impossible to say, Sorry, I missed your call. I wasnt home. That excuse is in the graveyard along with the beepers discussed previously. The first thing the comes to peoples minds when it comes to discussing the negative side effects of cell phones is the death that cellular devices cause. Many know there are severe consequences associated with texting and driving, and even walking while using a cell phone. Many states have made texting and driving illegal, while only allowing hands free talking as well while behind the wheel. When looking at Edgar Snyder and Associates webpage, it easy to access several statistics. 23% of car crashes involved cell phone use. If 23% does not sound high, it is equivalent to 1.3 million accidents. Out of those accidents, 3,331 people were killed and another 387,000 were injured. This should not be surprising because it has been proven that talking on the phone while driving makes a younger drivers reaction time to that of a seventy years olds. Furthermore, researchers from the University of Washington tracked the pedestrian activity along twenty of Seattles busiest intersections and concluded that texting cross walkers are four times less likely to look before crossing, cross in the lines, or obey the walk signal. Along with that it also takes these same cross walkers an average of two seconds longer to cross the street. Recently a study was led by Scott Campbell, an assistant professor of Communication Studies at University. The purpose was to identify the frequency and methods of cell phone use and how the users interact with people face-to-face. Campbell and his assistant, Nojin Kwak,

Fitzsimmons 3 hypothesized that the more people use their phones the less likely they are to talk to strangers. Through his 1,800 response survey, he and his colleague concluded that those who use their phone for news and reports are able to converse with people around them rather than talk on the phone. Continuing, this research found that people who coordinate their plans via phone are more prone to talk to strangers, nonetheless to mention that those who talk on the phone regularly are not able to keep a conversation in public. Before Campbell takes his study internationally, he states, The technology itself is not good or bad. It is how its used and who its used with. Cell phones do have the potential to make us more focused on whats going on in our personal lives, and the personal lives of the people that were close to. Maybe were not paying enough attentio n to things outside that realm. Who we are closely connected with rubs off on us. Im interested in the way that the cell phone facilitates that social contagion effect. With that being said, it is important to remember that anything is ok in moderation. Too much social media, or technological use used for purposes other than advancement leaves room for much addiction, socially dysfunctional, and can even cause some to live in a virtual, made up, world which can cause several psychological effects; such as making the distinction between reality and fiction. Like Campbell said, technology is normal, but some take advantage of the intended services. Therefore, it is important to be careful and aware of who is using technology, especially cell phones, and understanding their intended purposes. Recently, Pew Research Center conducted a survey among cell phone owners to find out the best and worst aspects of mobile connectivity. After gathering their data, the project made a popular video displaying their results. Their online clip can be found under the search

Fitzsimmons 4 bar as Pew Internet: The Best (and Worst) of Mobile Connectivity on Youtube. This video contains much information such as 85% of American adults own cell phones, and nearly half of them are smart phones. These people love that they can be in easy contact with their loved ones and having access to the information they need. However, there is a reciprocated feeling with this. These same adults despise this same availability, and do not like feeling obligated or pressured to respond to their friends and family as soon as they receive a call, text or email. Nearly 39% have reported that their friends and family have complained about receiving a returned message in an unfashionable manner. Based on this information, cell phones have conveniently let us distance ourselves socially by allowing us to respond whenever, wherever. With easy access to information from smart phones, it has a reversal effect leading the human race to dead this accessibility. If this is the case, why do 44% of people sleep next to their phones? To ensure they will not miss a message, most people started getting cell phones to be available on the go. The same people that dread the full-time communication are often times addicted to their cell phones. The trend results in a love- hate relationship leading people to only be available when the time is right for them, personally. Within payoff, the modern day trend among cell phones and their users results in an undefined relationship leading people to distance themselves from face to face communication only to also be bothered virtually. As current as statistics are, research is still be done to determine the psychological impact cellular devices have, as well as the social changes they bring among people. It is important to understand the original concept for cell phones; to be available at all times. Thinking that is what they wanted, the human population quickly bought cell phones and reserving a spot on the band wagon only to find out a few years later that this was not what it had seemed. With the constant interaction among people, this current generation

Fitzsimmons 5 is lacking important social skills that were predominant in earlier times. It is easy to become addicted to technology, and the gateways it can create, allowing humans to suffer from being able to differentiate the difference between reality and the virtual world. Cell phones are not bad, and should be treated like any other object; good only in moderation. If it falls into the wrong hands, it can alter the natural state of mind. That being said, it also has the power to change ones social behaviors by locking them out face to face speech, and forcing them to communicate via digital sources. It is important for the public to understand all the unhealthy disadvantages associated with cell phones, and know that it has more power than sending a text.

Fitzsimmons 6 Works Cited Goscicki, Claire. Study Discovers How Cell Phone Use Affects Social Interaction. The Michigan Daily. University of Michigan. 31 March 2011. Web 7 Nov. 2013. Pew Research Centers Internet and American Life Project. Pew Internet: The Best (and Worst) of Mobile Connectivity. Online video clip. Pew Internet. Youtube. 30 Nov. 2012. Web. 13 Nov. 2013. Texting and Cell Phone Use While Driving Statistics. Edgar Snyder. Edgar Snyder and Associates. n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2013.