The Evolution of Mobile Technology in Society

By: Leah Bandler

Photo: Jes Switaj

In the current day and age, mobile phones have become an essential part of an

individual’s lifestyle.

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This is due to an increase in accessibility, functionality, popularity and affordability.

With the advent of smaller handheld phones, mobile devices have gained commonality.

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In roughly a 10 year time span, mobile phones progressed from simply being

devices that made calls, to smartphones that act as a portable computer and a

versatile communication device.

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Smartphones multipurpose functions have lead them to become a high-impact

variable dictating the way that we live our lives.

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“The U.S. teen’s passionate embrace of smartphones and “mobile first” mentality to

the internet shows no signs of slowing down.” – Brian S. Hall

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“Mobiles are accessible at any time – including during class – and their functions are forever expanding,

making their use or overuse more likely.” – Richard Alleyne

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“Previous studies have revealed young adults, aged 18 to 29 send on average 109.5 texts a day, or

approximately 3,200 messages a month”. – Richard Alleyne

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This mentality is spreading onto all generations, young and old.

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Not only have the direct impacts of mobile phones been identifiable for teens,

but also for adults in the way that they function at work, as well as parent. Photo:

EricThiges

The concept of the “helicopter parent” is being propelled further, by having the accessibility to your child’s

whereabouts and social activities made so easy - parents are just as bad as their kids on craving mobile

connectivity.

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However, both the consumers as well as the direction of political, social and

economic structural customs fuel this constant starvation for connectivity.

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“The rapid adoption of smartphones and the parallel demands for a real-time, location-based and personalized

internet will clearly have a significant and potentially lasting impact on work, shopping, and entertainment.” –

Brian S. Hall

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Our online relationships are expanding beyond the simple social interaction with

peers.

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“Today’s world presents wide-ranging needs for identity verification: delivery of government and social services,

border management, public safety, healthcare, and finance all require some form of identity. These

applications require highly portable, yet connected, computing capability.” - aoptix

Photo: Bill O'Connell

Societies “essentialist” attitude towards constantly being connected has facilitated an

irreversible change in the format of our everyday lives.

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Though convenient, the accessibility of smartphones is impacting who we are

shaping into as individuals.

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“Mobile phones are a part of our consumer culture – They are not just a consumer tool, but are used as a status

symbol. They’re also eroding our personal relationships.” – Dr. Roberts

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We are shifting from becoming curious and engaged to dependant and reliant.

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Markets have adjusted to this new lifestyle, but have we adjusted to the consequences

of our actions?

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All images are licensed under the Creative Commons Non-CommercialShare-Alike

3.0Agreement, and sourced from flickr and

google advanced search.

Sources: - http://cellphones.about.com/od/smartphonebasics/a/what_is_smart.htm- http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Older-Adults-and-Social-Media.aspx - http://www.aoptix.com/identity-solutions/smart-mobile-identity- http://readwrite.com/2013/04/08/teenagers-smartphones-how-theyre-chan

ging-the-world

- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9714616/Mobile-phone-addiction-ruining-relationships.html