The World Addiction to the Mobile

Introduction

The Industrial Revolution in the 1800’s and early 1900’s was without doubt a major world changing era, with the introduction of Electricity and Steam Power, Telegraph and Telephone that transformed the way of life for many in the world. In the early 1980’s the ‘Computer/ generation of which I was part, transformed the way we communicated information between each other using the Internet in the 1990’s. The early introduction of the Mobile Telephone such as the Motorola in 1983, which we affectionately called the ‘Brick’ started era of Mobiles. However, the real World Changing Mobile was the innovative Apple ‘iPhone’ introduction on the 29th June 2007 only 18 years ago. The introduction of the Mobile can be classed as a ‘Mobile Revolution’ likened to the Industrial Revolution due to its ‘Impact’ on the world and its population.

The ‘iPhone’ Concept

We always associate the word ‘Phone’ with the Telephone that many of us had in our homes and offices, that were purely audio devices using speech and listening. However, the ‘iPhone’ was completely different in that it was in fact an integrated ‘Communication Device’ using a mini Computer system and operating software with a touch screen for user interaction. It was designed to be a lightweight mobile device powered by a rechargeable Battery. Hence the ‘Mobile Phone’ or the ‘Mobile’ as it is known world wide.

The Mobile of Today

The Mobile of today is truly a multi-function integrated device with operating software, real time application software, GPS controlled software, Internet software, still and video camera’s, recorders and scanners. The computer power and storage capacity is significant especially related to the size of the present day Mobile. There are many brands of Mobile throughout the world which number in their ‘billions’ as the Mobile is now classed as an essential item but why?

The Essential Mobile

Since the introduction of the Mobile only 18 years ago the Application Software, known as ‘Apps’ have exploded in numbers and what they are designed for. This includes so many different areas that affect our lives such as health, banking, travel, communications, games and entertainment, including films and audio, real time news and sports coverage. In addition, there are many places that a Mobile is needed to access entry or data that you may require which uses the Mobile scanners or facial recognition. Many payments are now made using the Mobile scanners which are connected to the banking systems via the Mobile networks throughout the world. There are ‘Text’ and ‘Media’ applications like ‘WhatsApp’ for intercommunication’s. These Application Software’s are so numerous and diverse it is impossible to mention them all.

The Addiction to the Mobile

I have been involved with computer, electrical and mechanical technology most of my working life and have seen many changes over the past 84 years. However, the biggest change I have seen is the effect that the Mobile Device has had on the world and its people, especially the last 5 years. Whilst I have outlined the Mobile is essential for everyday activities it is the huge change in the worlds people including myself who are the users of the Mobiles. Today most people must have their Mobile physically at hand so much so that if it is not they feel true anxiety to a point where panic sets in. This known as ‘Nomophobia’. We must understand that; Something that is ‘Addictive’ is so enjoyable that it makes you ‘Want’ to Do it’, or ‘Have it a Lot’ just like you ‘Always Want to Have your Mobile’.

The Mobile is an ‘Addiction’, a physical one, and a psychological one. Wherever, we are the Mobile must be in our possession and we are forever checking the status of our information such as messages or other applications. This is very noticeable, when people are waiting, traveling or during meals, when we can look at the Mobile as though we are in our own world. This Addiction is gradually killing the art of verbal conversation between people and at times is replacing it with real time messaging and audio conversations. It is also noticeable that if a verbal conversation is taking place and the Mobile activates for whatever reason, the Mobile always takes precedent.

Another very useful and practical application is the use of real time maps for driving such as Waze or Google Maps providing directions and road conditions. Once again the Mobile reigns supreme. However, a negative feature of people using Mobiles whilst driving, because of the Addiction, has caused a significant amount of accidents resulting in deaths and injuries.

The Infants Addiction to the Mobile

What may be more concerning is the use of the Mobile by Infants some of which are just babies affecting their development. The Mobile is increasingly used by parents to allow the infants to view children’s cartoons and other ‘Apps’ that keeps them occupied and quiet, reducing the stress on the parents. It is also noticeable that if the Mobile is taken away from the Infant, the Infant gets very upset until the Mobile is returned. This is the start of the Addiction to the Mobile at a very early age.

Mobile Anti-addictive

An Anti-Addictive is generally related to a substance to counteract a harmful substances that some people may use, which prevents or reduces them becoming addictive to. However, in the case of Mobile Addictiveness there is no such substance to counteract this condition. Considering the millions of Mobile Users it seems inconceivable that the Mobile Addictiveness can be combated like a normal Anti-Addictive as this condition is in most part physiological and behavioral. The fact is that most people in the world do not consider that having and using a Mobile is Addictive.

Conclusion

The Mobile is fast becoming an integral part of our everyday lives owing to the increased Mobile Networks that connect us to essential services we require. There is a concerted effort to lead us away from the access to services via the ‘Computer’ at home or at work, to access services via the Mobile using specific Apps, such as ‘Banking’. This means that we will not only be Addicted to the Mobile but we will need to have a Mobile to be able to live, work and access the services that we need. However, there is a looming risk in this strategy which is the sustainability and security of the operational Mobile Networks and GPS in our volatile world.