(Im)Mobility: Exploring Social Space and Mobile Phones

• In Event: Stability and Change: Presence of the Word in a World of Cell Phones

Abstract

Inspired by the day-to-day social practices of a class of undergrad students required to read about, reflect, and record their experiences with communication technologies, this paper explores their experiences (recorded in a class blog and shared in class discussions) using mobile telephony and texting. The argument is put forward that mobile phone use further extends objectification of 'the other' as phone lists are used as portals to anchor one's identity in what Hulme and Truch (2005) refer to as interspace. Further, mobile phones can be a shield to prevent interaction in physical space. Rather than facilitate a sense of being connected to others, the mobile phone may mediate instrumental relationships that increase objectification of others as well as feelings of isolation. Thus, the more we seek the connection to others, the more isolated we become. And the more isolated we become the more insatiable our need to be connected.


Bibliography

Hulme, M., & Truch, A. (2005). The role of interspace in sustaining identity. In P. Glotz; S. Bertschi; & C. Locke (Eds.), Thumb culture: The meaning of mobile phones for society (pp. 137 - 147). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

Author

• Linda Evelyn Berdayes, Saint Mary's College