5 earthshaking ways smartphones have changed our lives
Daily life hasn’t been the same since the appearance of smartphones. It’s easy to see. The arrival of social networks, the development of apps, the introduction of better cameras and even the evolution of mobile internet are all factors that have changed the habits of modern man. Here are five aspects of life that have been deeply affected by smartphones.
1. Unlimited selfies
The selfie phenomenon came along with the improvement and development of the cameras integrated in our smartphones. From celebrities to the average joe, everyone has jumped on the bandwagon and taken a selfie before posting it onto a social media site or sharing it through messaging apps. Smartphones are the main reason for their success as selfies can be so easily taken and shared using the device.
2. The spy syndrome
From mere curiosity to fully blown spy mode in a few easy steps. Smartphones have allowed us all to engage in a secret spy world. Countless arguments between couples are caused by WhatsApp and these famous methods that allow us to see whether a message has been read or even the last time that a person was active on the app.
Pass codes or fingerprint readers can reinforce security. Smartphones have become real hubs of information (photos, emails, messages).
3. Constant and instant communication
Mobile phones provided SMS messages as a communication method. Smartphones have revolutionized these messages with messaging applications that allow easy, instant exchanges of photos and videos so we can stay in constant contact.
And if you aren’t good with words, you can use countless emoticons, which are now an integral part of our daily language, or even send instant voice notes.
4. An all-in-one device
Smartphones, because of their multimedia functions, caused a fall in sales for digital multimedia players or even compact cameras. So, smartphones aren’t just replacing cameras, they’re also replacing mp3 players that everyone carried in their pocket at one time. It’s never been easier to have access to millions of songs at once than it is today. In addition, the Google Play Store offers a large range of music players and radio streaming services.
5. It’s impossible to get lost
One of the most positive changes made by smartphones is the development of maps and GPS. It is now impossible to get lost anywhere. Even if you don’t have an internet connection or if your data usage has run out, maps can be used without being connected to a network.
The fear of getting lost while trying to find that one infamous lost cabin in the middle of nowhere is now a distant memory. You can discover new cities or places without fear of getting turned around thanks to your smartphone.
6. Pure and utter laziness
New technologies allow us to easily access information. In addition to free online encyclopedias, such as Wikipedia, there are many websites to help develop your knowledge. However, this access to information also encourages bad habits. We no longer think about the answer to a question. We go straight to the internet to find the answer. We no longer have confidence in our memories and we let our smartphones answer all our questions.
7. A new and very real addiction
According to a study by Madam Figaro that was carried out on more than 2000 participants, we consult our phones an average of 221 times a day and we use them for 3 hours and 16 minutes each day. That’s at least one day a week dedicated to smartphone activity! What’s worse is that 40% of the participants admitted to being totally lost without their smartphones. A sign of this addiction is that the majority of the participants explain that they do things on their phone without even realizing.
How have your habits changed since you bought a smartphone? Would you say that things changed for the better or the worse?
How about the dating-thing? There are all sorts of apps to meet new people close by with similar interests that you previously did not know and whom you can get a date with instantly.
I no longer have a PC, digital camera, MP3 player as my smartphone does it all, my life is controlled via my S5, Banking, online shopping, calendar/appointments, reminders, instant communication. I scan all my documents/important letters/receipts. I have the majority of my music collection and a few movies saved on my phone.
I regularly use Google to answer various questions, deliver my daily news, organise my day.
Every aspect of my life is entangled in my smartphone.
Peace 🖖
The greatest impact of smartphones will be when they can transform the lives of the disabled. Simple things like walking around in a city or getting updates from friend and family or staying in touch can be made so simple. Plus, the smartphone can be the single most important breakthrough in getting knowledge into the hands of the disabled particularly the visually impaired.
how the fck is a blind person supposed to be able to use a smartphone? even if the text on the screen is read out without seeing you cant use the touch
Progress is being made on this. With Siri, ok Google, Google assistant, and dare I say Cortana. Are they perfect, no. But it is a step in the right direction. Check out the blindfilmcritic on Instagram who is using this router of tech. Just saying
I agree with George and Dean- Smart phones have changed the way we live. Some for the good and some for the bad. I doubt the youth can even read a map with GPS navigation being the norm. It used to require a special device now it is part of your phone along with all the other features. The lack of privacy seems out weighted by the convenience for most. The ability to always be connected to everyone though social media. The ever present trolls are the down side of that. I personally do not like and will not use social media, I think it is the cancer of todays society. Everybody should disconnect once in a while. Get out and enjoy Nature go camping out of range of a cell tower.
Yes, life has changed. Back in the day before I had a cell phone, never cared much about getting calls. When I arrived home from a difficult day at work, didn't want to hear the phone ring. The answering machine took care of that - unless it was an emergency.
Fast forward to today, everything is at my fingertips, voicemail, text, email. Is there really such a thing as missed call anymore?
I do wish more users would look out where they step or drive when using them. A lot of lives could have been saved by better judgment.
I would have to say that it is both better and worse. Better because constant communication equates to a sense of safety. With GPS you at least know where you are or where you're going, is it perfect, no, but it's better than being blind. Worse because now you've given up your privacy and at times the privacy of others. And also because smartphones have become one of the biggest distractions in our lives to the point where at times it causes harm, or worse to us and others around us. Could I live without my smartphone? Probably. Would I want to? Probably not. Just saying. I like the convenience.