Are Smart Phones Affecting American Culture

Society in the United States has observed changes of technology over the years constantly, slowly, but drastically impacting culture. Smartphones have shaken the basic structures of the American culture by forming one within itself, creating a subculture that not only allows for a clear communication method but is self-enhancing.A self-enhancing tool that has become a part of the subculture.There is a ratchet effect that shows a connection between the advancement of smartphones and the progression towards a self-concept of individualism.

According to Dr. Kim-Ju, culture operates on many levels emphasizing a dynamic system of rules (Kim-Ju, 2014). Culture shares attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors through the concept of cultural transmission (Kim-Ju, 2014). The definition of a smartphone is a

Furthermore, the capability of having a search engine in ones hands that answers questions at a whim without needing to asking professionals in that field of expertise. Thus, the ratchet effect has allowed the smartphone technology to progress drastically through the continuous demand of culture wanting to become more connected (Heine, 2012). For example, the continuous demand for faster internet speeds smartphones companies have been racing for to achieve satisfaction of the consumer. Starting from the 2G speeds, to what is now the fastest, 4G LTE. Smartphones influence on culture has increased as newer technology keeps innovating. As one becomes more dependent on this device, one becomes more helpless without it. For example, from personal life experiences, simply leaving the smartphone at home makes one feel naked without it. As many as 80% of all smartphone owners check their device within 15 minutes of waking up (Darell, 2013). These individuals start becoming more smartphone dependent and everything they do is for the world to