Mobile Phones – A Necessary Evil?
This blog is about using technology to simplify your life. This past week I looked at various aspects of mobile phones. This begs the question – Does a mobile phone simplify your life? In many ways, this is a question that has to be answered individually, but I will share my thoughts today.
First, my goal in simplifying my life is to gain more time and energy to do the things I want to do. If I can get something done in fewer steps or have a device do something for me, then I have reached this goal. In a way, mobile phones accomplish this by allowing me to connect with people I want to connect with at times I would otherwise by unable to contact them. However, what other contact am I missing during this time? As I walk down a crowded sidewalk, talking on my phone, how many people walk by me without any sort of acknowledgement from me? Is losing this human contact a simpler way of life?
The best contribution of a mobile phone toward simplifying life is the currently available smart phones. I think, in part, this was why there was so much excitement around the iPhone. It was the first smart phone marketed at the consumer segment. Owning a smart phone is like having a small computer in your pocket. Scheduling appointments is no problem. All contact information is up-to-date. Pictures of the kids are even available. This is convenient. Unfortunately, there are again times when these devices can be misused. Browsing the internet, even on the iPhone, is nothing like browsing the internet on a real computer. If it takes twice as long to accomplish something is that simplifying?
Overall, from my prospective, mobile phones, especially smart phones, can be useful. However, I am not convinced their benefits outweigh their costs. With voice plans costing over $500 annually and data plans easily doubling the cost, think of what else could be done with the money. Before you sign your next contract, take the time to think if you really need the service.