Despite strong resistance and last minute kicking and screaming I have finally done it. I bought an iPhone. While I originally disliked them and wanted something more simple and durable (my friend has gone through six already), I found their sleek look and versatility too tempting. Upon activating my new phone I was suddenly thrust into a new world where I could text, check my email, browse on Facebook, and surf the web all on something that comfortably fits in my pocket. The possibilities were endless, but is this really a good thing?
Since purchasing my iPhone I have found it easier to procrastinate, ignore my professors, and spend money on phone applications more than ever before. I have even found myself pulling out my phone mid conversation with another person in front of me (one of my biggest pet peeves). Having a smart phone is great in a lot of ways, but it is easy to get carried away.
While I do like the idea that I have a phone, iPod, GPS, calculator, voice recorder, computer, camera, compass, etc. all in one small device, I do wonder what direction smart phones are taking us. These smart phones are making it easier to do anything from finding your way home when lost or even making new friends via Facebook. Will this kind of convenience make us lazy? Will it make us less intelligent? Regarding the simplicity of iPhone’s texting abilities and social media applications, will it make it more difficult to have real life conversations and relationships?
With all the uses of phones these days and their evolving role in our lives I can’t help but speculate what will come next. An application that alerts us when we need to wash our dog or what kind of outfit to wear to school? Growing up in the world without cell phones pre-middle school I can see the difference in people and I beginning to wonder how far this will go…