Catherine Harper Kaufman 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

MC 4834

Cell phones now used as anti-social devices, studies and scientists say
Technology surrounding the cell phone has massively expanded in recent years, however scientists and psychologists suggest that cell phones have a negative impact on immediate social awareness, cognitive capacity and social cues to others. A recent study from Penn State scientists Omotayo Banjo, Yifeng Hu and S. Shyam Sundar states: Observational research on the social impact of cell phone usage in public places suggests that the mere presence of cell phones in public conflicts the private and public spheres and inhibits social interaction with proximate others (strangers or known persons). The study measured this data on gaze direction, social cues, body communication and verbal engagement, which according to much research and findings becomes a disturbance to proximate others if one is on the phone. Based on this data, the empirical Penn State study was able to observe in its subjects when on the phone an altered presumption of privacy in the public space, limited capacity for cognitive thought and a decreased obligation to those around them. A recent Pew Internet Personal Communications survey in 2009 found a different take on this issue, claiming: Americans are not as isolated as has been previously reported. Peoples use of the mobile phone and the internet is associated with larger and more diverse discussion networks. It remains to be seen whether these social networks can be nurtured from being isolated to strangers as well as those one may know while using a phone. According to a recent U.S. Times study, nearby phone use serves as much of a distraction to others as the phone user. According to Banjo, Hu and Sundar, the effects are astoundingly lower for social cues such as smiling or administering helpful gestures to others when a phone is present. The public and private spheres of our daily lives are consistently

pushed to the boundaries of what is acceptable. However psychologists around the world maintain that daily interpersonal interaction is essential to human health, which might not be achievable on a cell phone. 1. Omotayo Banjo, Yifeng Hu and S. Shyam Sundar. Cell Phone Usage and Social Interaction with Proximate Others: Ringing in a Theoretical Model. * Media Effects Research Laboratory, College of Communications, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park,. PA 16802, USA

2. Keith Hampton, Lauren Sessions, Eun Ja Her, Lee Rainie. Social Isolation and New Technology. Princeton Survey Research International. Princeton Data Source, LLC Nov 4, 2009. Personal Networks and Community Survey sponsored by the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

3. Sharon Jayson. Cellphones, social networks make eavesdropping OK? USA Today, May, 2010.