NuRiN YaZaM

At first when the biography of the author was read, the excitement to see such a bright person who is interested in technology and has excel in the area gave quite a challenge to me to follow her footsteps. Although I maybe a few years late in establishing myself but as long as I get there, time difference is not an obstacle.

In the report, Plant has taken a very interesting way of writing to attract readers to read her report. The comparison of situation in different countries that were involved in the study made us realize that the mobile phone gives both similar and different impacts in different cultures.

Plant has introduced us to the different terms or names that are given to the mobile phone itself which carry the meanings such as extension of the hand, carrying, air telephone, hand machine and even ‘big brother’. The technology alters the way individuals conduct their lives as it changes the nature of communication which affects identities and relationship.

In some parts of the world where the use of mobile phone has spread across the respective countries, we can even see kids and teenagers using the mobile phone. It is no longer a luxury item but it has changed to be a need in daily life. In others, mobile phone remains as the symbol of status that only entrepreneurs, party officials, politicians, and others can hold. This has changed rapidly for the past three years where more and more people are using the mobile phones.

Today, some phrases that have never been used before the existence of the mobile phone have been introduced in daily life vocabulary. The society is now rich with new sounds from monotone to polyphonic and now even real tones. In some cases, these tones are irritating when used in certain occasion for example in class, ceremonies, restaurant, etc.

The demand of response by the sound of the mobile phones spread tensions to those who listen to it since they are unable to answer the call. Social skill is needed to balance the answering of a call and maintaining the flow of face-to-face conversation. It is either move to absent themselves (flight), stay put but cut themselves from the environment (suspension) or stay engaged with both parties (persistence). Those who felt abandoned by the mobile users may ignore the conversation, displace attention, criticise or just find something else to do.

Since the mobile phone users have been inconsiderate towards others, there are restrictions in using the mobile in some spaces such as the hospital and the court. Thus, there is actually an unconscious awareness among users where they will restrict themselves in using the mobile in certain exclusive places although there is no restriction of use.

Plant also highlighted the significant gender difference in the use and the display of mobile phones. Women are said to be much quieter and considerate than men. I do not totally agree with this because it depends on the way a person communicate and not the gender that determines the loudness of the conversation. Whereas, in the display of hand phones, men tends to use them as a symbol of status to attract women and also to compete with their peers. Logically, women do not display them because they put it in their handbags rather than men who placed their phones in the pocket. It is comfortable to take them out when seated.

The public display of mobile phones also reflects the symbol of fashion, style and social message that is sent to others. The use of mobile as an accessory differs from country to country. Users are competing to give personal touches where they acquire the latest, coolest models and to customise them in the latest and coolest ways.

Mobile phones are also being used negatively to bully by teenagers. Those without one can be excluded from social networks. Eavesdropping seems to be happening everywhere and speculations are made to fill the gaps of missing sides. Contradict messages are being passed by third parties. The presences of third parties are also exploited by stage-phoning especially to impress girls. Some users have display confusion when a private call is taken in public.

Users are learning to manage their emotional responses. They are now bi-psyche and able to do other things at the same time their on the mobile. New gestures and voice tones are practiced to control their communication through the mobile. Mobile has help in sustaining and managing relationships especially long distance. Besides a call, texting are also used widely to express feelings. Through this, communication without knowing real identities is introduced.

Mobile has induced the sense of speed and connectivity in social life and facilitates the emergence of a new private world. No more lost arrangement and women feel more secure with the ability to communicate wherever they are. Mobile is also a medium to manage privacy for some and a centre of management for others. It has taken the place of other time killing medium. It is a need and no longer a symbol of status.

Refference
Sadie Plant, 2002. On the Mobile: The Effects of Mobile Telephones on Social and Individual Life [Report for Motorola], pp. 19-87. Accessed at http://www.motorola.com/mot/doc/0/234_MotDoc.pdf on 08 Mar, 2005