Cell phones give us access to a whole new world of information–a brand new digital landscape where we can learn anything, go anywhere, and be anything we want to be. Using phones, we can chat with people thousands of miles away, see pictures of the universe or microscopic cells, and get help from artificial intelligence assistants.
Of course, it is important to take breaks from technology. Look up. Take in our surroundings. Appreciate reality. However, don’t forget that technology is here to make our lives easier.
Phones provide an opportunity to learn, work, communicate, and play on the go. I know the public’s constant cell phone use may look like a scene out of a science fiction movie, but remember that technology is helping people perform normal tasks. Instead of walking around with unanswered questions, uninformed about the latest news, and unaware of how our friends and family are, we can easily stay up-to-date 24/7.
I am a digital native, meaning that I grew up during the rise of digital technology. Before smartphones, I remember having to carry around my CD’s, notebook, disposable camera, and video game cartridges wherever I went.
Technological advances have made my pockets much lighter because, instead of relying on a variety of tools, all I need is one device to make it through the day.
With countless resources in the palm of our hands, it is no surprise how much we are zoned into our phones. I maintained this mindset while creating my Animoto project about cell phone use for my Digital Media Literacy class. I captured photos in Target, restaurants, and the mall of strangers using their phones. Although those people were looking down at their screens, I did not assume that meant they were disengaged from the real world. I encourage you to keep this in mind while watching my video. Instead of seeing these individuals as cell phone zombies addicted to technology and oblivious of their surroundings, consider how their phones could be assisting them in these different situations.
Phones exist to enhance our lives. They help us track and pass the time with entertaining content. They increase our safety with emergency services a phone call away. When deciding on places to eat, people can look up a restaurant’s reviews, dishes, dietary options, and wait times. With a variety of messaging services, it’s simple to stay in touch with friends and family. Phones boost our productivity by providing access to our email, cloud drives, and the internet. I can work on college assignments whether I am in a coffee shop or on an airplane. Phones cut down on paper waste by virtually saving books, documents, receipts, etc. They also help us save time and money. When out shopping, consumers can quickly compare prices and order products directly from their phones. These mobile devices offer directions, weather updates, and rideshare services to help us navigate our world. We can take pictures that capture our experiences and share them instantly on social media. For these and countless other reasons, I greatly appreciate smartphone technology.
Ultimately, phones are a useful resource for navigating our lives online and in real life. Although some people are more glued to their phones than others, it is important not to write off phones completely. I believe it’s possible to integrate phones into our lives without losing touch with reality. We live in the 21st century, after all. Why shouldn’t we embrace our technological advancements?
Explorations| Go further 