I'm doing a paper on mobile technology and its impact on social interactions, it has always been a topic I'm quite keen on. This is before I started the TWC class as I'm constantly amused by people who use their iPads/iPhones every where, I've seen some one start to use his iPad while taking an escalator ride and playing with Cut The Rope. Is that game so exciting that it justifies a possible accident? However, this topic has already been explored numerous times, well, I hope I can bring something new to it.
Topic: Mobile Technology and its impact on social interactions
TOPIC INTRODUCTION
- This reports examines the impact of mobile technnology on social interactions
[Technology being defined as the practical application of knowledge and mobile technology as portable cellular communication devices and social interactions being relationship between two or more individuals]
Specific Innovation of Interest
- Smart phones
Rationale for choosing this innovation
- The number of smart phone users in developed cities is increasing rapidly
- Research company TNS reports that 72% of mobile phones users in Singapore are smart phones (taken from Straits Time Article)
- Smart phones allows users to do practically everything. Phones no longer perform the simple acts of telephoning and text messaging.
- Smart phones can be considered a disruptive change as it changes the way we communicate and lead our lives in a irreversible manner.
- Researching on the impact of smart phones on social interactions can create better understanding on the influences of mobile technology on human development as technology advances have changed our understanding of the community.
INTRODUCTION
1. Short description of the 'evolution' of mobile technology (example - introduction of phone, internet, email, social media)
2. New forms of social interactions as a result of technology (text messaging, instant messaging, facebook messages, skype, etc)
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
- Social interactions are typically face to face conversations
- With advances in technology - social interactions have evolved to include technology such as smart phones whereby people engage each other through the use of social networking websites that are easily accessible should they possess a smart phone
- Typically, mobile technology has been used to 'decrease' the social distance amongst family and friends. As strength of relationship often increases with increased reciprocal activities (sharing, giving, communicating, etc), distance that exists amongst people can be reduced with mobile technology that allows people to stay connected with one another.
- In order to stay connected, phone calls were made but were frequently expensive, in addition, mobile phone users were unable to stay connected 24/7 without the 3G function.
CURRENT SITUATION
- Smart phone users increase rapidly (key figures of smart phone users will be discussed)
- Smart phones allow users to remain connected via mobile internet and this is done in an efficient and fairly inexpensive method.
- Users are also engaged in multi-tasking activities such as using their smart phones while having their meals, driving, shopping for groceries, in school, during their commute, etc.
- The increasing number of applications and services serve to create an over-reliance on the device
- Users are seeing smart phones as their companion
- Prediction that there will be more smart phones connected to the Internet than PCs indicates that more and more people will increase their usage of smart phones to engage in social and recreational activities.
- The use of smart phones have revolutionised social interactions.
- Investment bank Credit Suisse forecasts the number of Asian smart phone users will reach 347 million by 2015. (Asians being a group that places emphasis on collective behaviour - will smart phones erode their collective tendency and help develop a sense of individuality and empowerment?)
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
- Smart phone as a remote control of your life?
- More people will share personal information and remain connected to each other 'online'
- New technologies continue to evolve the use of smart phones
ISSUES:
n How has technology changed tradition forms of social interactions?
n An increasing form of dis-connectivity 'offline'?
n An increasing form of dis-connectivity 'offline'?
n People are becoming increasingly addicted to their phones
n ‘Everywhere’ Technology - constant connectivity?
n Impacts of mobile technology (negative)
- Social isolation?
- Increased online interactions eroding etiquette?
- Negative impacts on psychological well-being?
- Difficulty for slow adopters of new mobile technology to integrate themselves in the digital culture?
- Dangers of over reliance
CHALLENGES / OPPORTUNITIES
n Managing the negative impacts
n Opportunities presented by technology advances in social interactions
n Opportunities presented in business, education and networking as a result of connectivity and convenience
KEY OBSERVATIONS
n Statistics of smart phone users – rapid increase worldwide
n Smart phone as a status symbol
n Observations of current social interactions trends compared to past trends
DISCUSSION
Preliminary issues for discussion:-
a. How has the use of smart phones affected adolescents social interactions?
b. Is there an increasing over reliance on the device?
c. What are the dangers presented in such a situation?
d. How has smart phone improved social interactions amongst peers and family?
No comments:
Post a Comment