What is the Connection Between Cell Phones and Student Realationships?

Hello Blog Readers,

First off let me apologize to the readers of my first blogging attempt for the grammatical errors and such. I will try my best not to let that happen again. But Anyway.... As I read the comments left for my first blog I began thinking about how my blog could become unique and interesting. I formulated an idea but I want to know what you as readers think. Each week if I were to introduce a new/different technology (cell phones, social networking sites, instant messaging, etc.) and explain its effects on student relationships opposed to focusing on one single technology like cell phones and their effect on relationships throughout the 4 weeks of blogging, would that keep you guys interested??? (Give me your Feedback)......Moving On---->

Today I think I will begin today's blog with a couple of questions; What Do You Think the Connection Between Cell Phones and Student Relationships Are? Is there one?

Since the release of the cell phone back in the 1940's where Swedish police used them as two way radios for accurate communication, cell phones have steadily gained popularity throughout the world and are currently one of, if not the hottest "must haves" on the market. Cell phones allow billions of individuals to be in communication with one another at any given moment. Since the beginning of my college experience, just a few months ago, I didn't realize the amount of time I spent and the amount of time my fellow college mates spent on their cell phones. Whether its just looking at them to check a text message or email, listen to music, or browse the internet, it seems like every time I'm walking through the quad I see over half the students engaging in some sort of activity with their cellular devices. I will admit I am a culprit too; I can't seem to go five minutes without looking or touching my phone. Just the thought of having it strapped to my hip is calming and gives me relief. If I forget my phone one day I feel disconnected from the world, and this shouldn't be.

Thriving in today's world is greatly influenced by "who you know" and not so much about "what you know" in some instances. You have to build strong caring relationships with individuals in order build solid and prosperous social networks. Cell phones can enhance these social networks because of the speeds at which they operate. For example you can be connected to someone on the other side of the globe in a matter of seconds. Relationships can be built through telecommunication but how effective are they? The relationship is made quicker but may not be as fulfilling if the two persons where to meet face-to-face. As students are concerned, although it seems we are on our phones 24-7 are we really building long lasting, intimate relationships through this type of technology? 'Texting' and instant messaging are simple ways of learning surface details about one another but not necessarily learning about the person on an intellectual or emotional level. THE true test is, when you come face-to-face with another individual that you’ve been in conversation with through a cell phone, will you choke and become nervous or will you have a smooth conversation. See, Cell Phones are good and all but they are physical barriers, they are hindrances from the real person that you are communicating with. In some chases they don't give you a true representation of the person on the other end. I hear all the time "Oh he/she sounded nice on the phone but when I met him/her, I would never consider doing anything with them." An example like this one is just a small representation of how cell phones can trick us into thinking something that is not real. Cell Phones are helpful in many instances but can hinder further relationship development. On many occasions I've talked to someone on the phone and they turn out to be a failure. Something to think about.....

--ThE TecH MaN