New distance

There is no debate whether cell phones make us more connected in a technological sense of the word. However, interpersonal connections are affected by cell phones in strange and interesting ways. Yes, it is certainly priceless to be able to get a hold of our friends and family any time, anywhere (as long as they keep their phones on and charged, darn it). But let's look at the limitations of 'cellular society', and then perhaps try to detect some signs of danger.

A typical mobile phone user knows well at what times the calls are free, where one should expect roaming charges, and with whom he or she can talk for a long time without paying a cent (i.e. people on the same network). Oddly enough, we may be able to communicate more easily with someone in a different state, as opposed to family members in the same town. We can become locked in within a certain group of people simply because we chose a specific service provider. It is no big deal for most of us, but for those who tend to talk a lot cell phones can help build relationships following a rather unnatural framework. Cellular networks are the new distance.

Text messaging, in my opinion, is a different story altogether. It is a cheaper, more democratic technology. But some troubling trends that can develop here. 'Texting' results in downgrading the level of personal connectedness between people. You cannot 'text' your true state of mind, your disposition towards the addressee. The possibilities for misinterpretation are also enormous. One can spend hours waiting for a reply, while being fully aware that no other mode of communication is possible for any number of reasons. The obvious objection can be that this is no different from email. The difference, however, is in the fact that computers occupy only specific locations in the spatial make-up of our individual lives. We can step away from them. Text messaging devices become attached to us and this causes them to have a greater affect upon us. We are more likely to put on a mask, to create a separate persona while texting than at any other time.

Cell phones are ushering in a new world of interpersonal relations, but this world is not going to be intrinsically more cohesive and transparent. There will also be new opportunities for compartmentalizing of individuals and wide-spread dystopia in the society.