Are Cell Phones Leading to the Demise of Communication?

Generation Y has grown up surrounded by technological advances. Technology has developed faster than it ever has before. Consequently, cell phones have become almost if not more essential than food, water and shelter. The ever-growing market for smart phones allows individuals to constantly be connected to the world. However, they also have the ability to make individuals even more disconnected than ever before. While cellular devices have astronomical benefits, it has hindered our ability to communicate in a face-to-face environment. We are constantly on our phones all day, staying updated with what’s going on around the world, or connecting with the people around us. Though this initially seems to be a good thing, in hindsight, it causes the destruction of our ability to communicate face-to-face.
According to a set of studies by Andrew K. Przybylski and Netta Weinstein of the University of Essex, it has been found that cellular devices can hinder communication in relationships, be it romantic or platonic. Traditionally, dinnertime was a period of time that families could share about their day and connect with each other. They could look at each other in the flesh and empathize and relive their day. Now that the wait time has been eliminated, the silence has been filled with facebook updates and text messages. A survey provided by Cisco, shows that globally one in five Generation Y members will check their smart phone at least once every ten minutes. Since the popular distribution of cell phones, people everywhere have benefitted from the convenience of being able to pick up the phone and call almost anyone imaginable, no matter what part of the world they are in. Transporting news doesn’t require a telegram or a letter; it’s a...

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...any different ways, it has also changed the way social interactions now occur. The bulk of the average person’s day is spent checking his or her phone, whether it’s for a sports or news update, playing an up and coming game or even catching up with an aunt in Australia. Though this initially seems to be a good thing, in hindsight, it has caused the destruction of our ability to communicate face-to-face. The world is now at the tips of everyone’s fingers; they have the ability to be connected to the world but individuals are more disconnected than ever before. The art of communication has been lost to angry birds and lack of body language. Individuals have nothing to share because they have already done so over texting. Cell phones aren’t a necessary evil; they are that way due to misuse. It is up to the individual to determine when they are crossing that fine line.