It's funny that cellphones are called cellphones. It just seems so ironic when the term cell is the same term for the most basic portion of the human body, but it doesn't end there. What every person with the most basic knowledge of biology knows, the term "cell" was actually in reference to prison cells. I want to make one thing very clear, I'm not writing this to bash the use of cellphones or other technologies, because I'd be a hypocrite. No, rather, I want to address the impact that it's had thus far on my generation, and pointing out some things that I have noticed through observation.
I got my first phone in sixth grade, I was twelve years old. It was a pretty popular phone at the time, the "Juke", which was this tiny phone that flipped open sideways to the keyboard and had a pinwheel looking dial in the center on the front of the phone. I loved it, I mean up to that point, that was literally my favorite thing ever; better than any video game, bike, sporting equipment, etc. I had to earn it though, in order to get the phone I had to get honor roll. Once I did, my Dad took me to the store and gave me, what felt like at the time, the gift of freedom. I now had access to calling and texting, a revelation. I felt baptized into the world of preteen living, and since I was the last of my friends to get a phone, I felt socially complete. After a few months though, the buzz of having a phone died down, and it simply became a way of communication.
It wasn't until my Sophomore year of high school that my love for cellular technology was reborn, because I got THE phone for my birthday; the iPhone 4. I was reincarnated and thrust back into the world of technological excitement. What the iPhone gave me that I hadn't had up to the point was two things: immediate access to the internet, and social media. In November of 2011 when I got it, Facebook was at its peek, Twitter was continuing to gain popularity, Instagram was a fledgling app, and Snapchat was literally 2 months old.
When I went through high school year by year, the buzz of social media was everywhere, you couldn't escape it. "Did you see her post last night, oh my god so trashy." "Bro, did you see that fight I tagged you in? That was my brother's college!" The most classic, "Oh my god, Stacy is best friend's with Chris on Snapchat! They're totally together." These were all the most common conversations that echoed through the halls of my high school. Everything was documented by a picture or a post, but people still did activities. They still went to the beach or the park; played basketball with friends or went out for coffee and would talk rather than stare at phones endlessly.
It wasn't until college that I realized how much technology had really taken over the psyche of many individuals my age. Like mindless zombies on campus scrolling through the most recent posts after they got out of a 50 minute class with the professor who is very strict about cellphone usage. Watching people scramble through their book bags or purses to find their technological idol, like a crack addict searching for their pipe. Once again, I'm definitely guilty of using my phone when I probably shouldn't be, but its out of boredom rather than impulse.
Don't get me wrong, there are great things on social media that can be considered useful and are extensions of artistic talent and it can be used as a platform for creativity. But my question is, how long before this platform for expression dries out creativity in itself? We see all of these interesting things on social media and the internet, but rather than going out and trying them, we like the post, or re-share it, and keep scrolling. Could it be that we are so confined to our individual technologies that it causes us to become less involved? We see it now with young kids, they're no longer encouraged to go out and play, no way, the helicopter parents would rather them be safely in the house eating hot pockets and mindlessly playing Minecraft. Exploration is only as far as the computer, T.V., tablet or phone screen now. In a time where virtual reality is becoming more and more accessible and acceptable, it's difficult to say whether or not kids will embrace a curious lifestyle by going out into the world to experience what life has to offer, or if they'll remain enclosed in their cells.
We have learned how to adapt as a species over time. I don't believe that we'll live in a world that resembles a Terminator plot, but it does concern me when I see friends gathered around a restaurant table, and everyone is on their phones. Since when has the presence of someone been enough to sustain happiness with that individual? We need to look up more, and experience this gift that we call life. It's a call to action for those who get lost in the seemingly real digital dogma. It's important to understand mostly, that social media is completely fine, in moderation. If we embrace that, we will continue to grow to be the successful individuals that we are meant to become.
