Personalised media and the transformation of public space
The article from the readings on Chapter 8: Media on the Move, brings up a really good point of public versus private space when considering cell phone use. I have personally noticed a shift in the way people have used their cell phones. Back when cell phones were first beginning to be utilized by the general public, there was a certain unspoken etiquette to having a conversation on your mobile telephone. As the younger generations have adopted this technology the rules of etiquette have been tossed aside for convenience.
One recent innovation that has made the individualization of public space bearable is text messaging. Now as a person on public transportation it is becoming more and more common for people to use the relatively quiet method of getting their messages across rather than have private conversations that make people feel uncomfortable. But text messaging is expensive, and not every plan offers unlimited text messaging. It will be interesting to see if corporations will use this technologies to “buy” into the text messaging market by advertising through text messages, opening up unlimited text messages to the users. As a cell phone user I am not sure I want to be advertised to just so I can have text messaging for free, however, I am also not sure I am in the majority with this opinion.
Just a couple of weeks ago I received a call from Hillary Clinton reminding me to vote…and I guess the idea was for me to vote for her. The fact that I am getting calls from anyone advertising anything on my cell phone urks me. I used to have a land line phone in my home, but gave it up years ago because of telemarketers. Now that same annoyance has followed to the cell phone. It wont be long before I start receiving text messages advertising something or another, but they wont be able to do this unless we as the consumer do not get charged for this.
Great post! I agree, the cell phone is an amazing confluence of public versus private issues.
Ha! I received a text message from Ron Paul. I found it strange that they could just take advantage (somehow) of my mobile phone, as if it were a public billboard. What was weirder, and got me thinking, was that when I received the text message corresponded with when I stepped onto campus. Does anyone know about Wi-Fi and blanket texting, like if that’s possible? Or is it done through the cell coverage? I want to know who has access to my number and how they go about getting a hold of it.
Comment by ktucker — February 19, 2008 @ 7:38 pm
Interesting comment , makes me wonder about text messaging in public spaces. I have mixed feelings ..I think it is a wonderful creation when the person sitting next to me on the bus is texting instead of talking on the phone and making me listen to their conversation that I would rather not listen to. At he same time I also think it is sad when i see friends or family get on the bus sit down next to each other and not look up once or say a word because they are too submerged in their sidekick conversing with someone whom is not even there. Texting can be a saving grace to others around you and be robbing you from quality time with others all at the same time.
Comment by eallen — February 19, 2008 @ 8:16 pm
I do find texting to be much less disturbing than someone talking on their phone. In China text messages are less than a penny per message. It would be great if cell-phone providers would lower the price for text messages in this country. I think we would see a lot more texters; and unfortunately people may be talking because it is cheaper.
The next generation 3G, will have people sending messages online, rather than texting, so it may be becoming outdated, much like beepers…
Comment by dstrand — February 19, 2008 @ 9:40 pm