Cell Phones: Does Using Cell Phones Make People More or Less Connected?

Communication used to be a face-to-face, interpersonal interaction, but the modern world’s technology was fabricated numerous methods of communication that do not necessitate geographical proximity. These methods are referred to as telecommunication. It is no longer necessary to be standing next to, or even remotely near someone, in order to communicate with them, due to the fact that telecommunication makes it possible to exchange information regardless of physical distance. All of these modern technological advances such as cell phones, email, and social media, have an enormous role in shaping the way that we communicate and live. While there are plenty of advantages that telecommunication has brought to the human race, excessive use of technology has many detrimental effects on interpersonal communication and should be limited and taken much more

Within the essays, “Our Cell Phones, Our Selves,” by Christine Rosen and “Disconnected Urbaism” by Paul Golderger, both authors expressed concern about the usages and the path our society is heading down. It is remarkable that within 30 years the cell phone went from a large mobile phone called the brick to what it is today. If we are not careful with the cell phone and our dependence on it, our social communication skills will be permanently damaged. Cell phones have inhibited the way we interact with each other and the way we communicate.

Article “OMG! We've been here B4!” by Clive Thompson is a reflection of what the effects the telephone has on everyday communication as well as the development of the telephone over the years. Thompson however explains that the early days of the telephone weren't seen as a helpful tool for social interaction, but an abate to conversation. When the cell phone first emerged on scene, it was believed that people choose to communicate face-to-face less and call instead. Clive Thompson explores the thought that texting may make people shield their emotions, limit conversations to only the phone, and erode intimacy. Although the telephone had various opinions, the cell phone did not destroy traditional etiquette but altered the way we communicate with one another.

In the world today, cell phones are being used more than ever before. Everywhere you go, cell phones are present, and its users range from almost all ages. There is no avoiding the fact that cell phones are a prominent way of communication. They have become so influential in peoples’ everyday lives that many can not imagine life without a cell phone. Cell phones are not necessarily a bad tool, when used in moderation. Cell phones are changing the way people communicate and the way they live their everyday lives.

Cell phones and technology are wonderful tools for us to communicate and to grow as society but even though there are many benefits of using cell phones in the various social environments, there is also the greater disadvantage of the usage of the devices. The effects of being rude to one another, “light” unimportant conversations, and weak relationships between peers or family members. In today's world people are way too connected electronically and disconnected emotionally. As there is a lot of controversy to if cell phones are running society's social lives or not, research has shown that they are in fact hurting and affecting how people are interacting and communicating with one another. Between the lack of empathy and the lack of face to face conversations, cellular devices “smart phones” are the major reasons society is seeing a negative effect in people’s social life

According to research scientist Helen Lee Lin, writing in Scientific American, the report "suggests that cell phones may serve as a reminder of the wider network to which we could connect, inhibiting our ability to connect with the people right next to us." (http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/news/study-finds-cell-phones-may-damage-relationships.html)

Within the essays, “Our Cell Phones, Our Selves,” by Christine Rosen and “Disconnected Urbaism” by Paul Golderger, both authors expressed concern about the usages and the path our society is heading down. It is remarkable that within 30 years the cell phone went from a large mobile phone called the brick to what it is today. If we are not careful with the cell phone and our dependence on it, our social communication skills will be permanently damaged. Cell phones have inhibited the way we interact with each other and the way we communicate.

Though there is positive effects to having a smartphone, and many people in the world are fond of the device, smartphones have moreover increased the isolation of friends and family due to the daily consistency. According to

The advancement in technology have changed how people interact with one another. The era of technology is taking away social life since people prefer to have a phone in their hands than to communicate with another person face to face. However, the smartphone helps people to interact with other people who are far away from their countries. In “ No Need to Call.” by Sherry Turkle, she is a teacher for the program in saience technology, and society at MIT initiative on technology and self.

There is no doubt that technology has affected the path of communication, interaction and human relationships. A large number of communication devices like phone have been invented in order to help communication between people. Thus, by giving easier chance to be connected, this development has been encouraging society’s sense of togetherness. Advances in technology have brought people closer with the use of different communication gadgets or websites. On the other hand, it has reduced the real-world or physical interaction. Technology has both pros and cons. But, sometimes the more positive roles overshadow the negative points. Ultimately, technology has improved the communication and relationships between people.

Cellphone Controversies In the article, “Cell Phones and Social Graces,” by Charles Fisher, Fisher talks about how people are slaved into their cell phones and how many people allow it to impact their lives. Fisher’s main idea in this article is that cell phone technology nowadays ruins people sociological and cultural actions and is also a reason why he refuses to have a cell phone of his own. Fisher uses his own personal experiences and his observations to support his main idea on how people allow a cellphone device to impact their daily lives. Fisher gives personal examples to support his main idea when he talks about not owning a cell phone and explains how distracting it is nowadays to own a cellphone compared to a few years ago.

Phones have dictated our relationships with the world around us. They have isolated us from communication

Almost all connections and communication is at lost with human beings, so is their isolation. “Were lonely, but were afraid of intimacy. And so from social network to sociable networks, were designing technologies that will give us the illusion of companionship without the demand of friendship.” (Sherry Turckle) One can agree that Turckle speak the truth about society. Moreover, people have become afraid of friendship and intimacy, there no longer a cozy atmosphere. When our vulnerabilities take over us, considering that technology is our weakness, technology appeals to us forming an intimacy with the phone. There’s a lost of confidence in one another, there’s no trust, personally expecting from technology and it appeals to us. The feeling of loneliness makes us afraid of comfort and intimacy, feeling like no one is there for us. According to the article Watch out: Cell phones can be addictive by Kathiann Kowalski, she informs to the reader the boundaries between emotions and the usage of the cell phone. “Certain people use smartphone to lift their moods.” (Kowalski). A Cellphones removed human contact and interaction, loss of emotional intimacy and connection with another human being. With the usage of the cellphone our communication is instantaneous and efficient, but true intimacy and emotion is loss. In addition, we are trying to

The telephone completely alters the the nature of social interactions. It can be described as a lifeline to the outside world or a device that can cause isolation. The placement of information and technological devices within the home alters the domestic environment. The interaction between these devices and the inhabitants show that having these devices causes an impact on the people within the home, influencing their habits and values. These devices become important to the daily lives of the inhabitants, and cause new social networks which form relationships outside the family. It is difficult to maintain both external and internal relations so families struggle to make time for each other, and when they do spend time together it may involve use of these devices which isn’t really a social connection at all. In communities with little chance of casual encounters providing people with this technology causes isolation from society outside of screens. This is directly related to the belief that humans are becoming more antisocial which as a family would have a negative effect on interpersonal interactions. (Strathern 2005:

Thesis: The usage of cell phones in modern day society has caused quite the problem for citizens in this generation by being a major distraction, causing addictions, and has sadly became the main resource of communication.