Smartphones have taken over our lives each and every day. We all have a smartphone, some even have more than one. They are contributing to our lives socially, professionally, culturally and personally.
Mobile phones evolved fast, we used to use mobiles just to talk or send SMS, later on we could send images also. Back then we were addicted to internet, but to be connected you needed a PC or laptop.
Phone manufacturers embraced internet addiction trends and turned basically every phone to PDA, now we know them as smartphones.
The operating system of most smartphones are run by Android which is popular for phones such as Samsung and Huawei and IOS which is used by the iPhone. 96.8% of phones sold in 2015 were either Android or IOS run devices. The competition between popular phone brands especially Samsung and Apple has increased the uptake of phones all over the world as they try to outdo each other in terms of features and reliability of their phones. There are low end and high end phones that have been made for the various markets that can access the particular phones.
The mobile phone revolution has taken root and it is here to stay for a long time. The impact has been significantly felt in field of communication. Communication has been streamlined to unprecedented levels. We have instant messaging software, like WhatsApp or Viber, which are used in our smartphones for real time communication.
Social Networks
Phones can access social sites like Twitter or Facebook where information is shared instantly and anywhere in the world breaking communication taboos. Social media sites have revolutionized communication where you do not have to have a computer to communicate with your friends or family. Not just text but people can interact using pictures on Instagram. You can socialize away from each other and still feel like you are in touch with that particular person defying the rules of time and space. Apart from smartphones pay as you go phones have facilitated communication.
News and Feeds
Phones now have become sources of information besides from communication. News media are adapting themselves to consumer behavior by optimizing information which is mobile friendly so that people can access news. Not just for news but people are sharing information through videos and blogs which are loaded with information. People want to create memories and have fun and the of smartphones’ ability to take sharp clear pictures has eliminated the need of a camera every time people go out. This has given rise to the selfie culture.
Internet Has Evolved Also
Speeds which enable people to browse are also increasing to make the browsing experience much smoother. We have transitioned from Edge to 3G to now the much faster 4G. Socially, people have become closer because they can access their friends and family at the click of a button. You could say that they have made people grow apart since they are hooked onto their phones but it’s a slippery argument. The truth, however, is that social networks have expanded people’s social circles. These social circles have benefited people who engage in business as it has built them networks using their phones.
In the grand scheme of things, smartphones are running our lives and there have been online campaigns which have tried to make people aware that there are real life relationships to be built away from the phone. The reality is that today no one can leave their phone at home when they go to work or when they are going out.
They have tied in with our lives in terms of communication, information and entertainment and we embraced it.