Zach Allott
Rhetoric
Current Situation
The first practical mobile phone for hand-held use was developed by Martin Cooper of Motorola, and put to use for the first time on April 3, 1973. Obviously since then the cell phone pandemic has grown wildly out of control. Today more than 230 Million Americans aged 13 and up use cell phones. In fact, 15% of Americans have interrupted sex to attend to their cell phones Would it have even occurred to Martin Cooper that his invention would interrupt people porking it?
The Harris Interactive conducted a study on 2,000 U.S teenagers who have cell phones in 2008. The study found that 86% would “die socially” without their phones and that 57 % found it improved their quality of life. While the cell phone is a great tool, it is evident that it has morphed into more of a social accessory. The study found that cell phones rank number two for determining a teen’s social status, above jewelry and behind clothing. If that isn’t troubling enough the study also showed that half of the teens could text blindfolded. In many cases the addiction has turned into nothing more than automated response. Harris’ study also implies that of the 17 million cell phone toting teen’s 46% cite multitasking as the reason they texted, while 36% said they texted so they don’t have to talk in person. How absurd is that? One can only think, what are these young users missing while they’re multitasking and avoiding talking to people in person?
Are 230 million Americans missing something in life? A new issue has arisen around the cell phone pandemic; could users be missing something by not being in the moment?
Not All Bad News
I feel like this writing piece has already taken a pessimistic stance on cell phones; which in some ways is what I’m striving to communicate, but my message is not all cynical. I see much usefulness in cell phones as a tool of convenience; contact and connection are of ease. The connectivity we are experiencing is a blessing....