I love my cell phone. I would be lost
without it. As a matter of fact, last night I misplaced it for a few minutes
and I freaked out just a little. You know the feeling. It’s always with me
-except every night when its charging up for the next day. It’s my calendar, my
phonebook, my clock, my alarm, my news, my camera, my map, my calculator, my
fitness tracker, my wallet, my mailbox, my garage door opener, my thermostat,
my voice recorder, my bank, my translator and my library – among other things.
I have pages of apps.
Our society is wrapped up in its
technology. I’m no exception. But are we using these amazing devices to make
connections to people that matter most, or are they becoming more of an
annoyance, irritation, and frustration to us and the people around us?
The
Cellular phone was invented in 1973 when a Motorola researcher made the first
mobile telephone call from handheld subscriber equipment, placing a call to
Bell Labs. It wasn’t until the early 1990’s that marketing to business began to
flourish. They were
primarily used in the sales and business world until 1995 when consumers began to catch the cell phone bug. Initially
cell phones were just for talking. Eventually, features like voicemail were
added, and then cell phone manufacturers began to realize that they could
integrate other technologies into their phones and expand their features. Smartphones
evolved that let users access email, and use the phone as a fax machine, pager,
and address book.
In
just over 25 years we have progressed from phones being on walls to phones
being in pockets. Computers have developed from complex, multi-component
devices that few people owned to portable laptops and tablets that most people
own. Entertainment has evolved from three channels on a 19 inch television to
hundreds of channels in high definition on devices from handheld to over 70
inches. Yes, we love our technology. But, what is the price we are paying for
all these creations? “Please silence your cell phones”. We have all seen and
heard this announcement whenever we visit a movie theater to see the latest
feature film. “Texting and Driving – It Can Wait” is a popular campaign to keep
us safe on the road.
"Nearly
one in three (30%) adults say the cell phone is the invention they most hate
but cannot live without”, according to the eighth annual Lemelson-MIT Invention
Index study. (Lemelson)
In
“Minimizing the Annoyance of the Mobile Phone”, Don Norman explains the
possible danger of cell phone use in public:
“We are in real danger
of a consumer backlash against annoying technologies. We already have seen the
growth of mobile-phone free zones, of prohibition against phone use, camera
use, camera phones, in all sort of public and private places. The mobile phone
has been shown to be a dangerous distraction to the driver of an automobile,
whether hands-free or not. If we do nothing to overcome these problems, then
the benefits these technologies bring may very well be denied us because the
social costs are simply too great.”
The
subject of banning or restricting the use of handheld cellular devices, or cellphones,
in certain locations can be seen as one of several different hot button topics
in the world today - a privacy issue, a security issue, or a free speech issue.
Technology
has dramatically changed the world in which we live in many different ways –
but at what cost? We have come to expect instant communication in all forms. In
many ways, cell phones have simplified communications. There are many who
believe that we should limit or totally ban cell phone usage in certain
locations due in large part to the social distraction that tends to surround them.
We are not talking about texting and driving here – everyone knows how
dangerous that can be. The discussion here is about the intrusion to those
around the cell phone user in places such as schools, work, theaters and
restaurants. Others, however, argue that limiting this important means of
communication would hamper important emergency communications that has proven
to be essential in our society today.
We
see examples of these intrusions in schools where grades are affected through
the distractions of social media, texting and cyberbullying. In an article
titled “Schools Seek Balance for Cellphones in Class”, author Linda Matchan
says, “It is the most vexing issue of the digital age for teachers and
administrators: What to do about students’ cellphones? Some maintain that
smartphones and other devices in schools are crucial to being competitive in a
global market, while others insist that phones and tablets distract students,
compromising their learning and focus.”
We
see examples in the workplace, where production can be hampered as employees
become increasingly attached to their handheld devices. Meetings occur where
someone constantly picks up and looks at their cell phone. A phone rings and
the person not only answers the call but continues their conversation with no
regard for anyone else in the meeting. My company constantly struggles with
balancing the use of our technology along with providing undivided attention
and extraordinary experiences for our customers. Employers cite distraction,
wasted time, customer service and security as some of the concerns to their
businesses.
We
see examples in public locations, such as restaurants and theaters, where lack
of consideration abounds for those around the user. It is far too common to see
all sorts of people using cell phones in the classrooms, movie theaters, and our
favorite restaurants. A scene that most of us have probably witnessed in the
restaurant is the couple having dinner together, but they never talk to each
other, or even look at each other for the entire time because they are consumed
with whatever is on their cell phone.
We’ve
probably all heard this joke that illustrates the problem with having
conversations in public on our cell phones:
I
went into the washroom. The first stall was taken, so I went into the second
stall. I had just sat down when I heard a voice from the other stall.
“Hi there, how is it going?”
I
am not the type to strike up conversations with strangers while sitting on the
john in restrooms on the side of the road. I didn’t know what to do, but
finally I said, “Not bad.”
Then the voice said, “So, what are
you doing?”
At
this point, I was starting to find the situation a bit weird, but I said,
“Well, I’m headed back east.”
Then
I heard the person, all flustered, say, “Look, I’ll call you back. Every time I
ask you a question, the idiot in the next stall keeps answering me!” (Denton)
Are we all totally
immune to the rudeness we have become so accustomed to? What should the etiquette
be for placing and taking calls in public places?
In
a story by CNN entitled “America's Quietest Town Where Cell Phones are Banned” Wayne Drash and Evelio Contreras explain that “Some
people when they come here really freak out because they can't have access to
their little devices." They discuss
how “strange and annoying it is to see people always diddling with their
devices and not paying attention to what's going on around them.” A story by CNBC
titled “Why the CEO of a $1.5 Billion
Company Doesn't Use a Smartphone”, points
out that for many people, their phone is a constant presence that causes them
to split their attention – what is going on on their phones, versus what
is going on around them. To that end, Sheldon Yellen, Chief Executive Officer
of Belfor, a 1.5 billion dollar company that operates in 31 countries and
employs 7,000 people, has banned mobile/cellular phones from company meetings: “My
thinking is: Let’s have our meeting; let’s get on with it,” Yellen said. “In a
lot of situations, we have a basket in the room or outside the room for
cellphones” (Ward).
The
arguments against any types of limitations or bans on cell phones are many. Greir
Cook, in “Pros & Cons of Banning Cell Phones in Public Places” explains
that there are safety concerns: “Many argue that having 911 available at the
touch of a button is critical to maintaining personal security. Cell phone bans
impede drivers' ability to report an accident, road rage incidents, medical
emergency or crime. Drivers assert the importance of the ability to call for
directions if lost or receive help if their car breaks down.” There are
emergency concerns. “Genuine emergencies do occur, and some calls truly cannot
wait. People who have sick or elderly family members, parents expecting an
important call from their child, and those in the midst of a crisis believe
it's acceptable to leave their phones on in public.” (Cook)
And,
of course, there is the personal freedom concerns. “Many people believe they
have a right to talk on their phones under the First Amendment, and that cell
phone bans intrude on their personal freedom. As they pay a high monthly price
for this communication option, they believe they can use the devices wherever
and whenever they choose.” (Cook)
There
are actually many types of cell phone jammers on the market that prevent cell
phones from receiving signals which effectively disables the cell phones in
that location. Imagine schools where students were focused on their studies and
not social media; imagine the movie theater with everyone quiet and no lights
of keyboards from cellphones; imagine the restaurant where people would
actually talk to the person they are with. However, these devices are illegal
to operate, manufacture, import, or offer for sale in the United States. Blocking
radio communications in public can carry fines of up to $112,000 and/or
imprisonment of up to one year. (FCC)
There
are rationalizations for both the use of our constantly changing technology and
for restricting its use. Passionate arguments as well as legal ramifications
exist on both sides. Our challenge as a society is the continual development of
social norms, etiquette and civility.
Banning cellphones in schools, work,
theaters and restaurants is not the answer. The real answer is the development
of etiquette - self-control and respect for those around us. This is not an individual
problem, it is a societal problem. Education – continual education – can move
us down the path of change and improvement.
This has been a difficult topic to
write about in many different ways. I have learned and changed my thought
process as I have researched and written this essay. I originally had a strong
opinion for allowing the banning of cellular devices in places such as schools,
work, theaters and restaurants. This belief stemmed from personal observations
and frustration felt as poor judgement and lack of respect has been observed by
so many in our culture who use technology. Personally, there has been a strong
consideration of lobbying for change in the laws for the use of jammers. Guilt
has built up inside me because of complicity in expanding this flourishing
technology through my part in the sale and distribution of thousands and
thousands of these devices over the years. I even feel guilty seeing people
driving down the road talking on their phones.
Many organizations and institutions
are coming to the conclusion that technology is good when it is used with
deference to the laws and people around us. Collège Jeanne-Sauvé developed
their “Responsible and Respectful Use of Technology” which stated in part “The
responsible and respectful use of technology is critical and students must
always strive to be good digital citizens. The use of technological devices
must never: disturb learning in the classroom or elsewhere in the school;
violate the school’s code of conduct; be harmful toward another person’s
security or well-being, or violate any laws or personal privacy rights.” (lrsd.net)
In a Deseret News
Article “Technology Helps the Lord Hasten His Work” The Young Men General
Presidency states “Be respectful with the use of your smart phone or tablet in
church. If Jesus were in a sacrament meeting, priesthood meeting or Sunday
school class, how would He use His smart phone? Would He be playing a video
game or texting friends, or would He be reading scriptures and thoughts related
to the lesson? Would He be respectful of the speaker or teacher and those around
Him who are learning the truths of the gospel? We all know the answer to those
questions.” (Deseret News)
We have all heard and seen “Public
Service Announcements” or PSA’s on the radio, television or even movie
theaters. These mostly deal with health or safety concerns. “Some television PSAs have topics such as on not
watching so much television, or not taking fictional shows literally; or about
television, movie, or video game ratings. Public service advertising has become
a significant force in changing public attitudes on topics such as drinking and
driving, crime abatement and various health/safety issues.” (Wikipedia)
So,
why not utilize PSA’s to change public attitude and behavior regarding cell
phone usage – not just texting and driving – but about overall self-control and
respect for others? We should include classes in our schools about respect and
the proper use of the technologies that we enjoy. Employers teach about
diversity and respect for others. They should also teach about how devices can
both improve or detract from their businesses. Restaurants should have signs at
their tables regarding proper ways to communicate like “Waiting for your food?
Talk to each other”. A saturation of this message can slowly make change.
The
fear is that doing nothing will result in greater deterioration of personal
communication as a society. We already see it in many, many different forms -
grandparents that don’t know how to communicate with the grandkids – children
that don’t know how to play or interact with others – couples that don’t talk
with each other – and distractions that result from the use of technology in
all areas of our lives. A whole different essay could be written about the time
our devices and technology steal from us.
We
should have respect for one another and not allow our use of technology and
devices to infringe on others. We should talk to one another and not allow our
devices to do our talking for us. We should give our undivided attention to
those we care about and not become so engrossed in our devices that they get
all our attention instead. Let us embrace technological advancements that come
our way, but let us do so with reverence for our God given nature of human
interaction and communication.
Works Cited
Cook, Greil, “Pros
& Cons of Banning Cell Phones in Public Places”, People of our everyday
life.com
Denton, Lisa, “Laugh
Lines.” Chattanooga Times Free Press. 17 May 2002 (p. H35).
Young Men General
Presidency and board for the Church News Deseret News, Published: March 6,
2017, Updated: March 9, 2017
Drash, Wayne and
Contreras, Evelio, “America's Quietest Town Where Cell
Phones are Banned”, CNN.com
FCC: Wireless Services:
Cellular Services: Operations: Blocking & Jamming Archived November 18,
2016, at the Wayback Machine.
Lemelson-MIT Invention Index, “Eighth Annual
Lemelson-MIT Invention Index study”,
http://web.mit.edu/invent/n-pressreleases/n-press-04index.html,
Accessed 24 Jan 2017
lrsd.net/schools/CJS/News/Documents/Responsible%20and%20Respectful%20Use%20of%20Technology.pdf,
Accessed 3/13/17
Norman, Don,
“Minimizing the annoyance of the mobile phone”, Nielsen
Norman Group, http://www.jnd.org/dn.mss/minimizing_the_annoy.html,
Accessed 24 Jan 2017
Matchan, Linda,
“Schools Seek Balance for Cellphones in Class”, Globe.com, June 16, 2015
Ward, Marguerite,
“Why the CEO of a $1.5 billion company doesn't use a smartphone”, CNBC, 7/26/16
Wikipedia,
“Public Service Announcement”, Accessed 8 March 2017
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