For better or worse, telephones have come a long way and are in abundance. To think that on June 2, 1875, Alexander Graham Bell while experimenting with his technique called “harmonic telegraph,” discovered he could hear sound over a wire. The sound was that of a twanging clock spring. Real success was achieved on March 10, 1876 with the birth of the telephone. Out with the “dot and dash” system and in with being able to “talk with electricity.” Later the mobile phone was introduced.Mobile phones bring convenience and peace of mind as well as concerns for health issues. Today, nearly every one has a cell, or mobile, phone:
Parents worry about the possible dangers of long-term cell phone use by children but believe the child is safer with one.
Parents who are looking after their elderly parents prefer their parent have one even if they refuse to use it.
Teenagers love to have them and stay in touch around the clock with their friends.
Businesspeople have a love-hate relationship with them. Sometimes the phone provides easier access to the client -- if you can’t reach them -- you can always text them. On the other hand unless you are very disciplined, you cannot have any privacy.
Advertisers love the mobile phone. We can’t get away from them: At least 50% of the bleep-bleep alerts I get for a message are telling me about a special offer somewhere or other. You might think they are what keep society going…
In Turkey banks offer a wider range of services from their Internet branches linked to the mobile phone compared to British and American banks. Although security is an issue, Turkish banks seem to have a level of sophistication and technological infrastructure not available abroad.
Let’s stop and think about just a few ways how this piece of technology has invaded our lives:
The advertiser can always reach me if my phone is on. When I hear the phone ring in the middle of the night, my first inclination is that it is urgent. When I look at the message and it is only an ad, I note who sent it and promise to never purchase from them again.
The cheapskate: a person wants to talk to you but they do not want to pay the charge. They call you and hang up and expect you to call them back.
The work colleague or employee who sets no boundaries and calls you outside work hours, even when you are away on holiday.
Thirty years ago in Turkey telephones were a luxury item: few and far between. With the rapid development of mobile phones, they have never-ending bad press. Mobile phones have interrupted the rules of telephone etiquette.
Since being back in the US for a short visit, I have noticed that more drivers use hands-free kits. Some use these for health reasons because we’ve been told that they protect us from the amount of radiation.
Here are a few comments from Today’s Zaman readers on this topic:
Bob writes: Mobile phones are expensive, annoying and bad for your health. Sometimes it’s good to be out of touch.
Ada explains: Instant gratification, instant service, you become so used to its “convenience” you grow to entirely depend on it. Sounds like addiction to me. My employer wanted me to get one, I refused, for business it is more of a leash around your neck than a convenience.
Ayşe says: I bought my mobile phone five years ago, as a fashion accessory (I’m ashamed to admit). But I couldn’t live without it now. I use as a means of contacting my girlfriend, who is abroad (via the Internet). I use it as an alternative to the “house phone.” I look forward to the new generation of phones ... and so should you!
Yalçın writes: I used to have a mobile phone but got rid of it. I got fed up with the first question asked being “Where are you?” It makes me laugh when I’m on the train and someone’s phone rings and the first thing they say is “I’m on the train.” It’s great being unreachable now. I no longer have inane conversations saying what time I’ll be somewhere.
About half of all Turks in Turkey have a mobile phone and it seems they talk or send messages on them all the time.
Laws have already been passed in some countries to not drive and talk on a mobile. Maybe legislators should pass one specifically on driving while texting? Extreme multi-taskers wouldn’t like it, I know.
Mobile telephones are among the top five most popular traveling items taken overseas. If you are traveling this summer, stay in touch and stay safe!
Note: Keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
