Module 3 Questions

Essay Questions
In reference to the article about cell phone use and the social order, these are the essay questions I came up with.


The author says “In this way, the mobile can function as
a “pacifier for adults” that reduces feelings of loneliness and vulnerability in any
place and at any time. A similar metaphor conceptualizes the cell phone as an
“umbilical cord”, making social emancipation processes more gradual and less
traumatic by allowing parents and children to retain a permanent channel of communication
during periods of spatial distance “ How does the use of cell phones promote these instances and what effects may this have on parent/child relationships later in life?

The author argues that: Cell phones can even more effectively be used to shield one’s self from wider surroundings by escaping into the narrower realm of highly familiar, predictable
and self-controlled social relationships with close kin or friends.
Do you agree or disagree with this notion? Are cell phones used as merely an excuse to not interact socially?


According to the author, “In general, the cell phone can give new impetus to the old-fashioned idea that individuals “belong” exclusively to particular groups, communities or organizations—
to which they have to be committed unconditionally for limitless hours. This idea clashes totally with all of the recent societal developments that have provided a secure basis for individual autonomy: for the individual capacity of everyone to maintain a secure private sphere as well as to divide his or her commitment to several segregated roles.” Does the cell phone encourage exclusion or inclusion within society? How may the use of a mobile phone encourage this type of behavior? Provide examples to support your idea

The author also states that “Homes, churches or school buildings will of course continue to symbolize the unity of families, parishes or schools as organizations and institutions. However, they may become “empty shells” without much determining influence on what is “really going on” on the level of social communication and cooperation.” What do you feel the author meant by this statement, and what effect does the use of a mobile phone have on these institutions?

Do you agree or disagree with the author on this subject? Are his ideas about cellular phones and the social order extreme, or do you feel he is right on in his thinking? Use examples to support your ideas.