Social Networking at its Finest

Social Networking at its Finest

The article I chose to review was about different shapes and features technology such as cell phones in the U.S. can have its issues within society. This article however highlighted different mobile devices and their benefits, market analysts describe the social networking market as too young and is expected to continue over the next few years. Through many generations, technology has innovated and advanced itself to meet the demands of the consumer, however with every advance come with a setback, in my mind any way. Consumers desire products that will enhance their social networking and communication. One of the most powerful products to keep consumers socially connected is technology such as cell phones. Cell Phones are not only a portable media players; they have numerous applications from all forms of entertainment to social networking. As advances follow technology, individuals are able to download music, videos, and movies, however there are all kinds of legal ethical issues that are involved such as copyright infringements. In addition, since they are mobile devices, users can connect to the Internet through any unsecured wireless network, even if it means they are stealing the service. Additionally, there are various social issues drawn in since cell phones act as a form of communication. With users constantly updating their statuses and the convenience of the tracking tool, it creates severe problems for stalking and cyber security. Another thing is that Apple is offers subscriptions to magazines, newspapers, and etc. that can be read on the other forms of technology such as IPads as well. The problem is that one has to pay for and download an application from the Apple store in order to read them, even though one has already paid for a subscription to the magazine. The iPod Touch has doubtlessly strengthened sociability between people, but it also shaped problems for cyber stalking and personal safety. So, as you can see, I feel there are many things that are problematic with the constant development of technology in cell phones. Copyright infringement becomes a severe problem when consumers illegally download music, videos, and movies. When people illegally download these services, the artists do not get paid, which results in copyright issues. This is a serious problem as users are illegally connecting to other’s internet services. Further, when people misuse the iTouch as a device for cheating on exams, both ethical and legal values are violated.
I don’t feel it is necessary to rant on all of the bad that comes with cell phones, On the social aspects, cell phones benefit in a global and local way for a group of friends, knowing what the others are doing through status updates is a good and easy way to stay involved with one another even though they might be thousands of miles apart. It can help one feel involved in another's life and when they get together, they know some of the things each other has been doing. Though mobile phones are viewed as an intrusion in society, these devices offer security, safety, accessibility, and other benefits. This shows a positive perspective on the grand communication abilities of cell phones. The tracking ability creates serious problems but also acts as a very useful tool, from the Google Maps application in helping consumers navigate, to Yelp finding decent restaurants wherever one is located. Conversely, it creates issues for people being tracked upon their every movement. In general, people would not want to broadcast their location as it can lead to potential thieves or stalkers. The benefits of cell phones are plentiful. It is only when these tools are abused that it leads to undesired outcomes.

From the security side, it is especially easy to stalk people with the Internet and all the different online services such as Facebook and Twitter, and mobile devices that make this so easy. It can be as simple as googling someone's name to find information on them they have not shared. Or it can be as complex as following them on Twitter or Facebook, and finding out where they are going to be and showing up there and maybe following them home. Mobile phones can make calls and send out text messages anytime and anywhere, it can swiftly make private issues public. This is viewed as an intrusion and disturbance in society. One example would be personal mobile phone communication leading to public forms of resistance. Furthermore, private conversations can become a public affair, which holds severe repercussions. Stalking can then lead to hacking other people’s passwords and intrude into their private accounts. This is a major issue as hackers can change passwords, give out personal information, and pretend to be the person being hacked, thus sending out erroneous messages. When an individual is pretending to be someone else, devious issues arise and can change the victim’s life forever. Another aspect that many overlook is financial security. With mobile devices now having access to an individual’s bank account at any time presents a problem for a person’s financial security as well. There is an inevitable consequence if someone had lost their phone and someone who had found it now has access to their finances all in one convenient location, the cell phone. This is a problem that, unfortunately will increase the more widely available access to the Internet. Most people would say that this is a fantastic revolution with the cell phone, however, like I said, it is over looked at how damaging it can really be.

In conclusion, I found that this article had given me knowledge about different shapes and features technology such as cell phones can provide to the U.S. however, I also found on my own what kind of issues within society it truly causes. Technology within cell phones has created copious benefits for consumers, and for that reason, it is uncommon to spot an individual without one. Ever since the iPod touch first appeared in the market, it has generated amazing sales for the Apple company. Since the Touch is indeed a mobile device, many ethical, legal, security, and social issues come into play. Legal issues such as copyright infringement, ethical issues such as cheating on exams, security issues like tracking, and problems with social networking are all issues involved with the new technology. The different issues are building and connecting upon each other and I for one see more problems in the future as technology molds into something greater. Despite the issues encountered, cell phones are a powerful device with various applications and entertainment. It has enhanced and simplified communication and networking to meet the demands of its consumers’ generation.