With Delaware, and neighboring Maryland having passed cell phone laws in recent months, I have done a lot of research on the matter of cell phone use. At the end of this article you will see links to recent articles on cell phone use and cell phone bans. I have personally received various comments, and have read comments on other Examiner articles on ways to better manage the problems of cell phone use.
As more ways to communicate are added to our lives, research shows that most Americans see that as both a blessing, and a curse. We work in a world where professionals can no longer hold a conversation during a meeting because they are glued to their smart phones and not paying attention to what is going on around them.
According to a recent study by Pew Research Center, while an overwhelming number of American cell phone users, 88%, believe that the phone makes it easier to arrange plans with other people, nearly the same amount of American cell phone users, 86%, agree that it is rude when someone repeatedly interrupts a conversation or meeting to check their cell phone.
The same research also shows that 42% of cell phone owners say they’re irritated when a call or text interrupts them. So there lies just one of the many issues, the tool that allows us to better communicate often interrupts or interferes with personal communications.
The issue of being interrupted by a text or phone message while driving carries an even greater significance as recent laws focus on issues with accidents caused by inattentive driving. Advocates of driving laws warn that drivers need to be focused on the task of driving, not communicating, as various research shows it is the act of talking, not simply the use of the phone, that causes the distraction.
In answer to the ultimate question of whether more communications means better communications, let me quote a lyric from a song by rock and roll sage and philosopher, Jimmy Buffett, "Everybody's on the phone, So connected and all alone."
For further reading:
The Pew Research Center is a wealth of data on usage and attitudes regarding technology. The statistics quoted in this article are from a study, Cell phones and American adults, dated September 2, 2010. According to their website, The Pew Internet and American Life Project is "a nonpartisan, nonprofit "fact tank" that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world."
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Comments
Love the quote reference. This is so true. Personally never worked for any company that allowed usage of cell phones. They could be on silent or vibrate but if in a meeting could only be checked when the meeting ended. The link to the Pew Internet was also very interesting. Great job, loved this article...best one on cell phones yet!
~Winona Cooking Examiner~
Good quote by Jimmy Buffet, and good article altogether. I find it very irritating when someone is on their phone while you are trying to carry on a conversation, not to mention rude.
can you hear me now?
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