In an exploration of the evolution and future of technology, particularly smartphones and their impact on daily life, Jessica Ghilani, a social media expert and associate professor of communication at the University of Pittsburgh, reflects on the transformative power of devices such as the iPhone. Recalling her excitement while waiting in line for her first iPhone in 2008, Ghilani noted how this innovation revolutionised the concept of smartphones, turning them into indispensable tools that perform a multitude of functions. "There were devices before the iPhone that were smartphones, but it really just revolutionized the entire genre," she expressed. The TribLIVE report highlights that as of 2023, Apple reclaimed its position as the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer, controlling 20% of the global market share.
The ubiquity of smartphones is underscored by data from the Pew Research Center, which indicates that approximately 98% of Americans own a cellphone and about 91% possess a smartphone. The shift in technology has been significant over the past 25 years, as evidenced by the experiences of individuals like Mitchell Nagy, 28, from Pittsburgh. Nagy, who went from having no computers in kindergarten to witnessing laptops in every classroom by high school, described the enhancements social media and smartphones have brought to social interactions. However, he also acknowledged the complexities brought about by these technologies, including issues like cyberbullying and misinformation. "It’s a great outlet to share ideas, but at the same time [there are] drawbacks," he remarked.
The intersection of technology with everyday tasks has transformed communication and information access, as Ghilani points out. The convenience of smartphones allows people to carry out essential functions – from banking and navigation to shopping – all from a compact device. As Ghilani articulated, "Our phones are these incredibly powerful computers," signifying the profound role smartphones now play in society.
Despite these advancements, concerns have emerged regarding the effects of constant connectivity. Ghilani elaborated on how the blurring of lines between work and personal life can lead to experiences that might lack joy. "Just because we can do everything through a device doesn’t mean that we don’t still need each other," she said, suggesting a need for a balance in technology use. Furthermore, Dr Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, highlighted the smartphone's role in health communication, especially during outbreaks, indicating that while smartphones facilitate quick dissemination of information, they are also a source of intense public scrutiny and potential backlash.
Looking to the future, Ghilani anticipates continued advancements in wearable technology, which may one day rival smartphones. She foresees significant developments in artificial intelligence that will augment smartphone functionalities, making it imperative for companies to adapt their services to remain relevant. “I imagine that artificial intelligence will become more effective over time, and therefore something that more and more people are turning to for a lot of assistance for the tasks that they’re already doing on their phone,” she stated.
Moreover, Ghilani predicts a growing bipartisan movement towards establishing regulations regarding technology, especially in data protection, suggesting that the sustainability of current social media usage patterns is in question. “Social media doesn’t help digital well-being,” she noted.
As society stands on the cusp of another technological era, it is evident that smartphones and their associated technologies will continue to evolve, carrying with them a complex web of social implications. The ever-present influence of these devices shapes not only personal communication but also broader societal trends, paving the way for future innovations and challenges.
Source: Noah Wire Services