Bowlinggg
Tuesday, January 8, 2013 | 11:17 AM
& the story continues,
This is a short research I have done since I have nothing to do and getting myself warmed up for school. =D Enjoy reading.
There is no proper standard definition for a smartphone. Most of them are based on mobile software platforms - which all of us are familiar with - and most of the benefits comes from the mere fact that they are connected to a mobile data network. Smartphone adoption has been soaring throughout the years due to the visible, tangible short-term benefits. Like what Richard (2009) stated, because of them, our world became so much more 'organised' since synchronising contacts and calendars are just a tap away (not even a click nowadays). The list of benefits is so long, it can just go on and on.
What we do not see immediately however, it the long-term unintended consequences of smart phones. One of the widest category of negative effects is social consequences. Well, I shall name a handful. It is now becoming very common where people are no longer enjoying the company of others as they are now - sadly - living on their smartphones. Many have admitted that having control over the excessive use of smartphones is something they have to achieve (Richard, 2009). This addiction is the result of repeated use without knowing that self-control has to be part of it.According to Antti Oulsvirta, senior researcher for Helsinki Institute for Information Technology, once the habit is formed, its not easy to change. One rule mentioned by Taylor (2009) that is applicable to many people these days is
"Don't do your smartphone when you are doing life. In other words, don't look at your smartphone if you are interacting with others, doing something that is supposed to clear your mind of work, such as exercise, meditation, having a meal, watching a movie, or hanging out with family or friends. There is nothing more annoying to family and friends than to be with you when you are making business calls or responding to email -- why are you even with them if you're with them in body only? It's okay to check your smartphone periodically, but ONLY IF you don't interrupt more important life stuff and ONLY IF you are expecting something that you may have to act on quickly".
From this website Squidoo, one can really learn the dire consequences of smartphones. Do read it if you can. Especially the part on Family Admits Smartphone Addiction as well as Smartphones, Family and Friends. Most of us will be able to relate to the 2 cases explained in the article. Question is, which party are you? A summary of the cases is that people are more interested in their online social network, checking messages, Facebook, uploading pictures, viewing comments by others on the picture rather than having a proper conversation with human beings. One thing I have to agree is when one gets into this vicious addiction, they will slowly develop a deficit of social skills.
Renny Gleeson, a digital specialist says that is has become upsetting to see people capturing experiences rather than having experiences. Smartphones do wonderful things and has helped millions of people. It is a powerful tool. Yet destructive if not used properly. They alienate and limits people interaction. It hampers oral communication greatly (Ecoke, 2012). There is no doubt that social sites are important in connecting people whose communication is complicated due to distance and geography. They unite distant individuals. However, they extent the gap and increase distance between close individuals.
Since its the problem we have been focusing on, its time to propose the solution. With the technology explosion these days, with the thousands of benefits smartphones have given us, I agree with Gleeson that it is insane to put the genie back into the lamp. One cannot stop the increasing growth in the demand for smartphones. One can learn to break the habit of dependency on the smartphone and regain control of it. The people in your life will welcome you back and actually want tobe around you. You will be more relaxed, more engaged in life, have more fun, be a whole lot happier and, despite your great fondness for your smartphone, you may just find more interesting and enjoyable things to do with your time (Taylor, 2009).
