Mobile Phones Essay -- Technology

In their relatively short period of widespread use since their introduction in 1978 (Agar, 2003), handheld mobile telephones have had a significant impact across the globe on a social and economic level, however the long term impact of their use is difficult to predict. Despite this, mobile use in Australia has rapidly grown to rate of almost 130 phones per 100 people (MNO Directory, 2011), one of the highest in the world. Increasingly, consumers are purchasing smart phones, which have the same capabilities as computers in terms of internet access and processing power (Macmillan, 2007). These modern â€Å"smart phones† also allow for advanced features, such as mobile high-speed access to the internet and social media, and the ability to create, consume and share multi media all from the one device. This always on connectivity has, however, raised concerns regarding the outcomes of constant exposure to mobile phone radiation, but despite the potential risks, Australians continu e to use mobile telephones and their various features more than ever before. The use of social networking applications, such as Facebook and Twitter, on mobile devices has been rapidly rising, and it has been estimated that there are 925 million users of mobile social networking worldwide in 2012 (Meyers, 2008). With modern smart phones being able to access the internet in almost the same way as a desktop computer, the mobile phone has changed from a communication device, to something that constantly connects people with not only other people, but provides a constant source of new information and media. While current research suggests that use of the internet use can strengthen social contact, community engagement and attachment (Ellison, 2007), certain exper... ...ederal Communications Commission"FAQS - Wireless Phones". n.d.. http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/faqs-wireless-phones#evidence (accessed 14/05/2012). Garnell, C. "Apps: the future of tech or a passing fad?". April 2011. http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/apps-the-future-of-tech-or-a-passing-fad--941212 (accessed 14/05/2012). MacMillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners. 2ed. Macmillan, 2007. Macrae, F. "Mobile phones CAN increase cancer risk: Shock finding by major study". The Daily Mail, 2011. Meyers, J. US Mobile Social Networking and the Millennial Generation. Scottsdale: InStat, 2008. MNO Directory"Australia Mobile Market Q1 2008 - Q1 2011, PDF Report". 2011. http://mnodirectory.com/Australia.htm (accessed 15/05/2012). Sigman, A. "Decline In Face-to-Face Contact Linked to Biological Changes in Humans". Biologist, 2009, 2.