Are Smartphones Improving People's Social Skills or Harming Them

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Imagine a life without technology, specifically cell phones; no Iphone’s, Blackberry’s or any other type of smart phone. No WhatsApping, emails on the go, taking unexpected pictures and talking on the phone whenever and wherever. All these are the features of the modern cell phone and so the true question is: have cell phones changed human beings socially? The truth is that removing cell phones from people today will undoubtedly leave them lost and incompetent. Before cell phones were invented, people were capable of finding other ways to communicate, one that doesn’t rely on a small object. Consequently, are cellphones actually harming people’s social skills rather than improving them? Back in the day, people used to communicate and pass messages by carrier pigeons and stone carvings; it evolved to Johannes Gutenberg creating the first ever printing press and then followed the usage of radio transceivers to pass messages during World War II. Next, the huge retro telephones were created in the 80’s and then came that Nokia phone everyone used to carry around in their pockets, the one with SNAKE on it. These days people feel uncomfortable and tense if their phone isn’t in their hand for even five minutes, but years ago cell phone technology was a symbol of wealth for the super-rich, holding that outdated Nokia phone with the black-and-white screen was actually a trend and seen as chic. 20 years ago no one could’ve foreseen that 12 year old girls would be chattering away on their phones with their boyfriends, that homeless people would have outdated Iphone’s and texting would be the new way of communicating. In a time where everyone feels the need to be constantly plugged in by refreshing their Instagram and Facebook pages every fiv... ... middle of paper ... .../ct-ent-1114-humanities-sherry-turkle-20111114_1_sherry-turkle-texting-cell-phones>. Kovach, Sue. "The Hidden Dangers of Cellphone Radiation." Life Extension Aug. 2007: 1-2. Web. 2 Feb. 2014. . "Statistics on Texting & Cell Phone Use While Driving." Edgarsnyder.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. Thibodeau, Patrick. "Cellphone Vibration Syndrome and Other Signs of Tech Addiction." Computer World 24 May 2012: 1-3. International Data Group Inc. Web. 2 Feb. 2014. . "Texting Addiction: 10 Signs Your Teen Is Addicted to Texting." Examiner.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. Wilson, Jacque. "Your Smartphone Is a Pain in the Neck." CNN. Cable News Network, 20 Sept. 2012. Web. 26 Mar. 2014.

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