Sunday, April 10, 2011

Smartphones: Our National Obsession



Only one in five Americans own a smartphone. For those who have one of these devices, the experience can be life-changing. Now, you can no longer wait a an entire day to reply to an e-mail, or several hours to respond to a text message without violating an evolving social norm.  Before, places like school institutions who were once enemies of the phone culture are now embracing them.  Only a few places are off-limits to smartphones, partly because texting, Internet browsing, and other things can be done quietly.  Although phones aren't permitted in the movie theater, its hard going into a movie now without seeing the glare of a smartphone screen.  Some researchers say that intense multitasking can degrade a person's ability to think creatively and focus deeply. Many people can't be without their phone for less than an hour or for any time at that. They feel a sense of being disconnected from whats going on in the world.  Although the smartphone can be a distraction, its a very useful device to have.  Technology is evolving, so maybe its not such a bad idea to embrace it.  Mobile life may be the way of the future.

Sutler, J. (2010, October, 18). Smartphones: Our National Obsession. CNN, p. 1-3.

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