Individual and Social Impacts of Mobile Technology in Communications and Entertainment
...wn mobile technology. Emotions and sensitivity are going to play the protagonist role in the newness of mobile technology. New developments are directed towards implementing technology to give people more pleasure and emotions, as this is what is going to mark a stand in the next generation of IT businesses. Some countries are beginning to use mobile phones in political affairs; some for political conferences over mobile phones, others to grant citizens the ability to participate in political decisions just by sending a message. “Via continuous forwarding, these messages gained authority as they intimated the dream of a classless society in which cell phones would allow even the least powerful access to information and a chance to be heard in the political arena” (Manahan, 2004, para. 2). I1 A set of new features have been added to mobile phones in order to give its users the utmost pleasure. Efforts have been made to provide a wide range of services. Voice, data, and video are some of the services already offered. Today, people can use a mobile while walking, working, driving, and eating. But, there is still something missing: talking on airplanes. “In 2006, the nation’s commercial airlines may begin to allow passengers to make cell phone calls and connect to the Internet throughout a flight. No longer will passengers have to cram in their last cellular calls before takeoff. Instead, they will be able to use standard mobile phones to make and receive calls while in flight” (Taub , 2004, para. 2) IV1 In spite of all the good news, there are some issues that must be worked out to guarantee people’s security and safety. “Many studies indicate that talking on a cell phone while driving significantly contributes to driver distraction, which increases the risk of a crash” (Seo & Torabi, 2004, p.1). I2 Other implications, like how mobile phones waves affect brain cells are also present. But still, “the scientific evidence on cellular telephone safety or harm remains inconclusive” (Lin, 2001, p. 1). Entertainment devices, like communication devices, are also part of the mobile technology age. Devices like Apple’s iPod are leaders of the market. The demand for iPods has gone beyond its creators’ expectations and they are having difficulty fulfilling it. "The iPod is the first cultural icon of the 21st century. (Curtis, 2004, Para. 3). "It will change the way people manage their experience of music urban space. It allows users to listen to whatever they want non-stop, providing a soundtrack to their world" (Curtis, 2004, para. 4) WEB2. The iPod grants users control, makes music more social and gives the ability to mix and match tracks. Also, people can use iPod for other purposes. Actually, people can “back-up data to an iPod” (Saunders & Moore, 2004, p. 1) because it can work as a portable hard drive. “The most important effect on music consumption is that the iPod grants its users far more control over how and where they listen to their music” (The meaning of iPod, 2004, Para. 6). III2 The iPod allows its users to create a private environment granting them control over it, depending on their mood, time, and whatever activity they are doing. “People like to control their environment, and the iPod is the perfect way to manage your experience. Music is the most powerful medium for thought, mood and movement control.” (Kahney, 2004, ans. 4) III1 Another effect is that iPods make music consumption into a social activity. It gives its users the ability to share music with other users regardless of their location. “You can use your iPod as a jukebox at home, and the ability to carry your music collect...