LITERATURE REVIEW

Literature Review on Blog

In contract to computer and internet technology, social science research on mobile communication technology has not caught on quickly among the scholarly community. Until recently, it has become a painfully accurate to decry the lack of scholarly interest in the mobile phone (Katz&Aakus2002). Happily, though, the situations is improving rapidly, not the least because of a growing international community of scholars dedicated to investigating social aspect of mobile communication technology. Dr. Kristof Nyiri, his work has not only advanced and broadened the field but has also helped create an extensive community among concerned scholars. Lara Srivastava is one of the astute and energetic commentators in this regard (Srivastava2003). Joachim hoflich has demonstrated with precision the way uses of the urban space are affected by mobile phones users.

In 2004, Richard S. Ling published a masterful and incisive summary of how the mobile phones appear to be affecting life in a variety of domain.

The general communication habits of mobile phone users in today’s society vary depending on the location, time and individual circumstances of the user, as would be expected. From my observations, I have noted some of these circumstances and the effect they may have on the user and those surrounding the user. My own status, as a student has naturally affected the extent of my observations and my own habits when using a mobile telephone. I will look at this in more detail later on in this essay, but I will also try to give an objective opinion on my findings as well.

One of the places I found most interesting for the observation of mobile telephone users was trains and train stations. A mobile phone is a very useful commodity when travelling by train, as I have discovered from personal experience and that of others. An obvious example is at the occurrence of a delay or the missing of a train or connection, because of which, one would have to contact any persons expecting one at the destination.

Another aspect of mobile communications that would benefit from further investigations by Hoflich(2004) and Katz(2003) in the ‘’urban environment’’ effects of its uses in public question concerning this physical performance of public communication, and its impact on the way others in the environment behaves in an areas not well developed.

Desmond Morries(1977-83) in the case of mobile phone use, the co-present partner, who had not been using his/her mobile phone, will often be prompt to begin using his/her own phone. Front the viewpoint of human behaviour is created. However, two friends who are physically co-represented are more likely to be sending a relational message ‘companionship’ to the person whom is on the physically present other side of the situation. The person who had not been using mobile phone, in order to display companionship, stll unconsciously echoes the behaviour of the partner who is physically present and using the mobile phone.

Ling R.S (2001) examines the way people manage their social interactions involving the mobile phone. Observations of mobile phone uses in public places suggest that the emerging use of the mobile phones has introduce a new context wherein people need to move ‘’in syn’’. Whether people are aware of the body movement or not, they adjust their body positioning once the face-to face interactants start engaging in mobile phone conversation, thus creating the kind of dace with mobile phone.

Reference:

James E. Katz: (1999) Connection: social and cultural studies of telephone in America life Brunswick.NJ: transaction

Morris. D. (1977), Manwatching: A field guide to human behaviour; Harry N. Abram.

Nyiri, K. (2005), see contribution, this issue

Reader’s Digest (2004), ‘only In America’ Readers’ Digest (April l9)