Research Essay
13 September 2014
ENG_111.0014
In today’s world, it is not uncommon to see people glued to their tablets, smartphones or computers. Their electronic leash has become an essential part to their lifestyles and has literally put the world at society’s fingertips. There are two sharp and slippery sides to this overly open access to the world. Technology is affecting our lives through phones, social media, gaming and online simulated worlds. Smartphones have developed tremendously since 1983, from the brick of a cellphone to iconic phones such as the Motorola RAZR; the smartphone with its endless capabilities has the ability to connect families or friends across the world no matter where they are (Meyers). Take texting for an example. Once upon a time, texting one phone to the other was considered a pipe dream. Today there are group messaging, picture messaging, and keyboard enhancement that allow for texting to be interactive and emotionally ties humans to their phones.
“According to Nielsen, the average teenager now sends 3,339 texts per month. There’s more, though: teen females send an incredible 4,050 texts per months, while teen males send an average of 2, 593 texts. Teens are sending 8% more texts than they were this time last year” (Parr).
The steady increase of texting has allowed for more open communication, but at what cost? Texting can often be used as a technique to avoid actual interaction with other people, (OLYMPIAN). The article suggests how although advancements in technology are amazing, there is a time and place to use it. Instead of hiding behind the phone during a dinner, the article states that one should engage in actual conversations.
Despite potentially creating a socially awkward generation, smartphones are the multitasking devices that make life easy. From banking applications to their social media applications, a smartphone tends to be the key to one’s identity these days. Losing ones phone can be devastating to their daily
ENG_111.0014
In today’s world, it is not uncommon to see people glued to their tablets, smartphones or computers. Their electronic leash has become an essential part to their lifestyles and has literally put the world at society’s fingertips. There are two sharp and slippery sides to this overly open access to the world. Technology is affecting our lives through phones, social media, gaming and online simulated worlds. Smartphones have developed tremendously since 1983, from the brick of a cellphone to iconic phones such as the Motorola RAZR; the smartphone with its endless capabilities has the ability to connect families or friends across the world no matter where they are (Meyers). Take texting for an example. Once upon a time, texting one phone to the other was considered a pipe dream. Today there are group messaging, picture messaging, and keyboard enhancement that allow for texting to be interactive and emotionally ties humans to their phones.
“According to Nielsen, the average teenager now sends 3,339 texts per month. There’s more, though: teen females send an incredible 4,050 texts per months, while teen males send an average of 2, 593 texts. Teens are sending 8% more texts than they were this time last year” (Parr).
The steady increase of texting has allowed for more open communication, but at what cost? Texting can often be used as a technique to avoid actual interaction with other people, (OLYMPIAN). The article suggests how although advancements in technology are amazing, there is a time and place to use it. Instead of hiding behind the phone during a dinner, the article states that one should engage in actual conversations.
Despite potentially creating a socially awkward generation, smartphones are the multitasking devices that make life easy. From banking applications to their social media applications, a smartphone tends to be the key to one’s identity these days. Losing ones phone can be devastating to their daily
Cited: Abraham, Chon, et al. Evolutionary Psychology and Information System Research. Ed. Ned Kock. Springer, n.d. Americans Lost $30 Billion Worth of Cellphones In 2011, Study Finds. 23 March 2012. 1 Sept 2014 . Bargh, John A. and Katelyn Y.A. McKenna. The Internet and Social Life. New York University. New York, 2004. Grove, Jennifer Van. Apple Trademarks "There 's an App for That". 11 Oct 2010. 13 September 2014 . Kaveri Subrahmanyam, Robert E. Kraut, Patricia M. Greenfield Elisheva F. Gross. "Effects on Social Development and Relationships." Journal Issue: Children and Computer Technology 10.2 (2000): 132. Meyers, Justin. Watch The Incredicle 70-year Evolution of The Cell Phone. 6 May 2011. 1 Sept 2014 . OLYMPIAN, THE. Social crutch of cellphone texting is killing the art of casual conversation. 11 May 2011. 1 Sept 2014 . Parr, Ben. The Average Teenager Sends 3,339 Texts Per Month [STATS]. 14 October 2010. 1 September 2014 . Technology can have positive and negative impacts on social interactions. 2 Sept 2014 .