$3,995

1. Cellular Technology in a Nuclear Family Today’s “cell phone” is such a marvel of technological achievement, especially in comparison to much of its now archaic ancestry that it can hardly be categorized as “just a phone.” No longer are such mobile devices associated solely with the fast-paced business world characterized by the yuppies of the 1980’s. Instead, cell phone users of all ages now take advantage of the communicative mobility offered by this technology. Sister: Uses her very high tech phone to text all of her friends numerous times in a day. Calls them only when it is big drama. Uses text speak such as LOL, OMG, BRB, and many more. Brother: Uses his high tech phone to see what time his friends are going to go hit balls at the range, or that he will be there soon. Very short, simple conversations. Cell phones have blossomed to include a very diverse social dimension. In fact, this usage merger has shifted the role of the cell phone from a predominantly adult/business oriented tool to a vibrantly expressive, all inclusive token of social identity. Contact lists equipped with features such as personalized ringtones contribute to “cell phones” ability to expand upon the construction of personal identity. Negotiating who is worthy to be added to an individual’s “speed dial” or “voice command” feature is among the tasks that add nuance to this “social totem pole.” Mom: Uses her easy to use high tech phone to call husband to see where he is at, call the kids home for dinner, and to sit and gossip with her mom and sister more 700 miles away all afternoon. The convenient portability offered by cell phone technology has allowed individuals to roam the earth with a device that keeps them connected to nearly anything/ anyone of their choosing, which gives many users the sensation of having “the whole world in their hands.” Dad: Uses simple easy to use phone to call wife on his way home from work to see if she needs groceries. Calls kids to see where they are, and what time they are home. 1 3 30 minutes of talk for 10 hours of charge. 1973 $3,995 4 1995 6 $600 Dial, talk and text message 7 9 $520 Dial, talk, text, search internet, & personal planner 2007 B y: Josh Nick Nicole ??? * #