Effects Of Technology
Effects of Technology
Can you hear me now? Verizon Wireless’ ad for their mobile phone network had become a catch-phrase, yet it illustrates the importance cell phones play in our lives. It focuses on a consumer’s desire to be connected wherever they go and in any situation. Phones allow people from all over the world to stay connected even when they are thousands of miles apart. They allow us to be reachable even when we are standing in line at the grocery store. Many cell phones even allow us to take pictures, download music and send e-mails. The invention of the cell phone is the technological change that has had the greatest impact on life in this country.
Cell phones have become so important that many people are abandoning their landlines in favor of their cell phones. A study conducted by Harris Interactive found that 11% of adults now use only their cell phones for calls, and that number grows to 33% for adults between the ages of 18 and 29 (“Unplugged,” 2007). It may be more common among those under 30 because they grew up with cell phones, and probably had one as soon as their parents decided they were old enough.
Cell phones are so important that 52% of people polled by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, AOL and the Associated Press never turn their phones off and 26% claim that they could not live without their phone (Dolliver, 2006). Cell phones are even more important to business executives. A study of financial executives conducted by Robert Half Management Resources found that 44% felt that cell phones was the important piece of technology they used, compared to 39% who said the same of laptop computers (“Cell phones,” 2005).
The ability to have a conversation any time, any place is a big advantage of cell phones. They free people to always be connected. The amount of features even a standard cell phone has makes them more than just a phone. They are becoming essential not only for business executives, but also...
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