technology and society

Technological advancements have dramatically changed the way people communicate. People have more modes of communications than ever before, many of which operate at high speeds and even facilitate instantaneous multiparty communication. The choices, accessibility and affordability of communication technology have naturally changed social habits and styles. Many worry that although the amount of communication has increased, the quality may be decreasing. Mobile phones, smart phones, PDAs, desktop computers, laptop computers, netbooks, tablet devices, video game systems, land line telephones, voice over IP (VoIP), email and instant messaging are all common forms of communication — several of which are free to use. Easy and broad access to these technologies means people are communicating more frequently than ever, from texting in the supermarket checkout line to making phone calls from the bathroom. A 2008 Nielsen Company study found Americans were sending 2.5 billion text messages per day. They averaged 357 per phone user each month. And teens 13 to 17 averaged 1,742 messages per month. When kids play after school, they aren't always in the same place together. Advances in video game systems and computer games allow game players to play against one another via the Internet. Players can don headsets to have multiparty conversations while they play, creating a virtual group experience while in reality each players is alone.
The advent of social networking sites and platforms such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Linked In changed not only interpersonal communications, but also marketing and business strategies. Through social networks, stay connected to family and everyday friends and often reunite with long-lost friends from childhood, high school and college. Social networking also allows people to share their daily lives and thoughts with one another through outbound messages and walls that signal all of their connections. Although some use social