The Social Impact of Mobile Phone Technology
As the mobile phone’s portability, productivity and entertainment values are continuously being improved upon, it is extremely rare to find a teenager, adult or retiree without at least one of these devices in their possession. Initially, perhaps a mobile phone was purchased by a parent for their child to provide security and increased piece of mind. It is without doubt that mobile phones and the features they offer have significantly advanced society. People can work from home and have access to work servers, e-mail accounts and documents in the palm of their hand. During the commute to work on a train or bus, employees can efficiently make use of this time by revising or preparing documents using their smart phones. Women wishing to pursue a career and have children can now do so and not have to compromise on either one of these desires. When mothers may have previously had to postpone their careers to care for children, women and men alike can now work from the comfort of their own homes using advanced mobile phone technology. Communication between states and even countries can easily be preformed at a competitive price with the aid of mobile phones. Whether it be keeping in touch, keeping up to date or keeping busy, mobile phone technology has substantially increased societies quality of life.
Equally as prominent in today’s society, are the negative consequences of mobile phones. From antisocial behaviour to the overwhelming pressure society puts on people to own the devices, mobile phones are creating as much trouble as they are solving. As more and more adolescents gain possession of smart phones, the device one owns can prove to be an important status in the schoolyard. Students and even adults are beginning to avoid confrontation and rather take the easier option of sending a message to express their feelings. Due to the lack of personality associated with simply sending a message it is becoming increasingly common for people to react differently, and usually more violent when involved in keyboard arguments. The portability and capabilities of phones are leaving society with little to no time or place to seek refuge from constant contact and communication. Cyber bullying is unfortunately a common process, where in many cases victims can not escape the violence that is tormenting them. Via social media websites, instant messaging services and text messages, students are now more venerable to suicidal causing threats than ever. The benefits of mobile phone technology must be compared to the negative consequences the devices are causing. Refinement and improvement must be priorities to ensure the devices do not impair Australian culture or society itself.