Lauren Spencer
There is no need for a person to ask for somebody’s seven digits anymore; they can just ask for a person’s screen name to instant message them. Screen names like Sxygirly415 are more intriguing than a set of numbers, maybe that’s why there’s no need to make calls to one another. The development of text messaging and instant messaging has created a whole form of nonverbal cell phone communication. Both forms of messaging allow people to be in constant communication, noticeable in people walking by with their heads down, eyes fixed on their phone screens. “I like texting. You can say whatever you want without anyone hearing you,” said Alex Martinez, 18, history major.Instant messaging was initially an option that could only be used on a computer. With such programs as AOL Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger adapted for cell phones, people anywhere in the world can be contacted and have conversations with just their keypads. “I like AIM more. Calling takes up minutes, texting takes too long,” said Mercedes Bowie, 22, theater arts major. “Either you’re offline or not.” Though cell phones were originally restricted to voice conversation, users can now e-mail, surf the Internet, download and play music and have Wi-Fi capability.The advancement of technology has exploded within the past three decades since the release of the first portable cell phone, created by Motorola in 1983. According to http://www.tech-faq.com, the first true cellular phone took 15 years to hit the market and cost more than $100 million in research during the first generation technology time period. During the late 1980s, a “car phone” was more of a status symbol because most cell phones available at the time were not made to be hand-held.Twenty-five years after the first cell phone was released, some people have become completely dependent upon their cell phones to the point where the constant use of its features is becoming an addiction.”People can’t be alone and can’t stay quiet for a couple of minutes,” said Mario Flores, 20, liberal studies major. “They want to be with somebody to fill that void.” Talking on a cell phone while driving is a new norm, but its risks have lead to a new cell phone driving law, effective on July 1. The law prohibits all drivers from using a hand-held cellular device while driving. Anyone 18 and over will be allowed to use a hands-free device, but any drivers under the age of 18 will not be able to use any cellular device at all.Oddly enough, the law also states that text messaging while driving is not prohibited. You can still get pulled over and get issued a citation, but it is unsafe and is strongly discouraged. The wave of technology is continuing to roll and in no way will it stop anytime soon. As time goes on, features will improve more and more and everything is becoming easily accessible and communication is on that same wave toward the future. Where will cell phone technology take us next?