Help? :)

Parents Forum
1

<p>Hello! I know this may not be the right place for this but, since you guys have been so helpful in the past, I figure I might as well try and see if I could get some assistance :)</p>

<p>I'm doing a project for my cultural anthropology class on technology and culture - my technology is the cell phone. I'm supposed to interview people regarding this technology, but the vast majority of my answers have come from people who are in the 18-20 age range, which does not provide a very broad base on which to write my paper. I would really like to hear some new perspectives. All information would be anonymous; all I need is age and gender.</p>

<p>If you could answer these questions for me, I would be eternally grateful!</p>

<p>Age:
Gender:</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone?</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now?</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own?</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize?</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have?</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them?</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols?</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you?</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others?</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones?</p>

<p>Thanks again :)</p>

2

<p>Even though I’m not a parent, I’d like to put maybe a younger kid’s perspective on cell phones.</p>

<p>Age: 16
Gender: Male</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? I was in 7th grade, so I think 13.</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? I was given it by my aunt.</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? I have my own background photo.</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? I text and make phone calls.</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? Yes</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them? Probably a Blackbery and I think those people think that they are so cool and official.</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? Yes, definitely.</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? Very important for reasons solely of communication.</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? Somewhat changed because of texting.</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones?
Pros - easier communication when away from home, texting can be done in quieter situations without disturbing
Cons - leading to huge technological revolution, too much reliance on them</p>

3

<p>Age: 47
Gender: Female </p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? Approximately 15 years ago </p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? Blackberry chose for email, data features, etc. </p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? personal photo for wallpaper, personal ring tone </p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? Calls, email, blackberry messenger with son who also has blackberry (once he showed me how). never use texts </p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? Not generally </p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them? I don’t view the phone that way. it is a tool for business not an accessory or status symbol </p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? Not for me or those who I know. </p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? Very important for business and for personal use to stay in touch with family across the country. Recently travelled in Europe, used it exclusively for email. Didn’t even take a computer </p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? No </p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? Pros: easy accessibility, cons: easy accessibility. While it is great to have email and phone 24/7 there are times when it becomes intrusive. I still remember a time with no internet and when your home phone was the only phone. If you weren’t home, someone left a message. Business still happened, personal calls still happened but it was all less accelerated.</p>

4

<p>Interesting that the 16 year old perceives blackberry users that way. I don’t see myself that way at all. I will add though that the blackberry users in the 20-30something category that travel everywhere with the earpiece in drive me crazy.<br>
I think it is rude to enter a business, restaurant, or public place with the earpiece in your ear and yammering away.</p>

5

<p>Age: 45-50
Gender:F</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? 1980s</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? hand me down (up?) from college kid who HAD to have new features</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? screensaver, vm message</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? calls & texts</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? i notice blackberries as i am considering an upgrade</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them? i don’t care</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? to young people</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? important to have it and use it, which one is only important in it’s functionality</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? i can carry it every where</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? i can take it everywhere is both the pro and the con! too many people are just on them constantly and not present in their lives, they walk through life on the phone. On the other hand mine allows me to talk to clients as I travel or when I am off playing and still get work done and i like staying in touch with my kids. I would not do the weekly Sunday phone call of tradition, but they call or text all the time with silly little stuff and I like that we feel connected that way</p>

6

<p>Age: 51
Gender: Male</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? About 10 years ago.</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? Price & a model with good reviews.</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? Wallpaper on front and main screens.</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? Just calls.</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? Yes.</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them? iPhone. They must make a lot of money and don’t care about the bad service from AT&T.</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? To some yes.</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? Very important to be able to keep in contact with family and in case of emergencies.</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? It has made it easier especially with people a great distance away with the ‘free’ long distance provided in the service contract.</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones?
Pros: Able to quickly summon help in an emergency, easy access to information.
Cons: Many inconsiderate people use them obnoxiously, seems to detach people from the here and now, diminishes live interpersonal skills.</p>

7

<p>geez now to show how behind the times i am: female age 52</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? 2005</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? just got the same as i got for my sons</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? I don’t</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? occupies space in my purse…just for emergency ie in case of accident (which btw wouldnt work because it usually hasnt been charged)</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? no except my oldest son who has an iphone</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them? iphone?</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? i think for teenagers they do</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? not at all</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? it hasn’t, i never use it</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? primarily the cons (not necessarily a popular view i’m sure) i think it has introduced a level of rudeness… i have had people answer their cellphones while i have been interviewing them for a job. i have had employees covertly try to text while supposedly working, ie in their desk drawer or frequent trips to restroom. Patients answer their cellphones while doctor is examining them despite our signs that say all cellphones must be turned off. people loudly talking on them in restaurants etc etc. The only pro for me…my oldest only has a cell phone so i can talk to him on his, my middle son is away at school and doesnt have a phone in his room, so i can talk to him on his…of course from my landline to their cell phone</p>

8

<p>Age: 49
Gender: F
When did you get your first cellphone? I don’t remember
Why did you choose the phone you have now? best voice sound quality and loudest rings (can’t hear worth a darn)
How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? assign ring tones to husband and kids; using a picture from watching a vacation sunset off a hotel balcony as a background screen
What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? Text messages and (my favorite) snapping photos and sending them to my facebook page. Then my daughter, my niece, other friends can easily see whatever it was that I thought was so cool and wanted to share with them.
Do you notice what types of phones other people have? no
What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? iphone
What do you think about people who have them? no particular opinion
Do cellphones become status symbols? I don’t think so. More like it is noteworthy and a bit odd if someone does not have one.
How important is your cell phone to you? Very important
How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? Makes it easier to call my mom every day to check on her. Makes it easier to work out logistics re: picking not-yet-old-enough-to-have-a-license son up from sports or jazz band practices. Nice that we never worry any more about who is “long distance” to call
What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? pro - good for emergencies, very good for travel (remember how much hotels used to charge for long distance calls?) con - can interrupt face to face interactions. hard to resist talking while driving but even hands free with my bluetooth thing, I know it is a distraction while I am driving</p>

9

<p>Age: 45-50
Gender: Female</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? 1996 or 1997</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? slim design, </p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? Only wallpaper</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Making calls when I’m outside, still prefer land phone whenever possible. I only use Call/Answer/Voicemail/AddressBook</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? Yes, but don’t pay particular attention</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them? I don’t care</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? Not for me</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? Very important, it gives me a secure feeling when I’m on the road or outside of my home & office</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? Not really.</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones?
Pros -
feel secured - I can call for help from anywhere if needed
Convenient - I can reach my families and be reached at anytime
Cons -
people can always find me as long as I turn on the phone</p>

10

<p>Age: 52
Gender:F</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? maybe five years ago?</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? We wanted PDA capabilities, something that had some sort of coverage in VT and Europe</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? not at all</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? I get texts occasionally but have never sent one. I use the calendar. I play bubble breaker when I’m stuck in lines unexpectedly. I have a notes section which has book recommendations, ideas for presents and wines I want to buy again among other things. I have alarms reminding me to do things like water plants or get the car inspected yearly. I use the camera rarely as I have a better one I use on the job and is usually with me.</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? Not really. I’ve admired my brother and sister-in-laws i-phones and I wish I had a flip phone as my phone makes phone calls or does other dumb stuff if it gets bumped.</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them?
I-phone? Blackberry? It sure is cute. Dh thinks he might want the google phone. My clients all seem to have blackberries.</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? they can I suppose, not for me.</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? More and more important. I used not to give out the number, but now it’s my primary work phone.</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? People can reach me more easily. Good if I want to go to the gym and need to be available to clients. Not so good if I want to be left alone. I think there’s an expectation you should be answering your cell.</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? Biggest pro is being able to arrange pick ups with my kids, and having it for emergencies. Cons I can’t get away from it. And I really hate my particular model which has some very irritating bugs - I mean features! And it’s made people into terrible drivers.</p>

11

<p>Age: 56
Gender: F</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? 1990 or so to replace a pager (YEAH!)</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? free</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? don’t other than adding contacts</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? calls & texts – on occasion a pic </p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? nope</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them? don’t care as long as it works</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? nope</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? very handy to have</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? well i did use texts with pagers previously; allows me to interrupt others when i forget something or need it (similar to how I use IM) :)</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? great in an emergency and if used properly. Another pro is that it allows people to stay in touch with you even if you move. major con is that like all the other new technologies it can be disruptive</p>

12

<p>Age: 50-55
Gender:F</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? About 8-10- years ago</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? It was free on my plan :)</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? Personal wallpaper</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? Calls (mostly husband and kids), text (kids) and pix (but not many)</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? Sometimes</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them? I don’t know. I guess those that can do everything. I guess the people who have them need 24/7 contact and have money for the data plan </p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? In some cases</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? Actually, it is very important with S at college. Allows us to communicate (by text) without anyone knowing he’s talking to his mom! It’s funny, I can’t imagine being without it now, although I survived just fine when growing up without it! </p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? I guess it has improved the speed and ability to connect with someone</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? Pro - contact at any time with those most important to me. Able to summon help if stuck somewhere. Con - I see younger people’s relationships being conducted by texts rather than speaking. It is easier to hide behind a text. It also seems that people are not always connecting with what is around them at the present if they are on the phone. And please, moms of small children - pay attention to your kids and get off the phone!!! I see this in the grocery store all the time. Young children are sitting in the seat of the cart wanting to interact with mom, and she is too busy on her phone. I loved that time with my kids - talking with them, pointing things out, teaching them.</p>

13

<p>Age: 51
Gender: F</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone?<br>
About 2000.</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now?
It was free and doesn’t have too many bells and whistles.</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own?
I don’t.</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize?<br>
Just calls, and even those very seldom.</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have?
No.</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them?<br>
Probably the iPhone. I think they’re silly to spend so much money.</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols?<br>
Among certain people, yes.</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you?<br>
Hardly important at all, as I rarely use it.</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others?<br>
It hasn’t, except when I’m in the mall and can get in touch with my kids. :)</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones?
Pros: good to have in an emergency. Cons: just about everything else. People use them while driving, which is incredibly dangerous, and when they should be paying attention to the people they’re with, which is incredibly rude.</p>

14

<p>Age: 53
Gender: F</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? 1989</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? iPhone… it’s too cute… great user interface… H and S have them too</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? it has a poodle laser-etched on the back</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? I have these iPhone apps I use every day: Photos; email; weather; stock; diet tracker; notes; text messages, alarm clock, internet, calculator, flashlight, maps, personal calendar. (I don’t use the iPod part.)</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? not really</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? iPhone (slightly biased) What do you think about people who have them? that they have enough money to have one</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? not any more</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? essential. no longer have a land line.</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? text messaging! constant availability–lots of short little conversations instead of longer ones</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? pro and con: instant availability; the biggest pro that I have seen though, is that cell towers are much easier to put up than wires, and so–between 2001 and 2004, cell phones became common in Tanzania, where wired phones were completely unavailable before that time, and only available to the rich. In 2004, we saw remote villages doing deals to sell their crafts with distant shops–using a cell phone.</p>

15

<p>Age: Parent of college students
Gender: F</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? as free promo + $210 credit around 2000 or so when our football team won with a score of 70 or so</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? Both are bar Nokia phones–best reception to hear phone calls at the time & durable (dropped on concrete parking garage MANY times)</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? Sometimes have photo as wallpaper & personalized ring tone which differs for the 2 phones I now own</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Phone calls, voicemail, receive messages & sometimes reply, call long distance, rarely camera</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? not often</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? phone meeting needs of individual owning it</p>

<p>What do you think about people who have them? n/a</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? depends on individual–mostly electronic leash</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? essential–have one for business (no landline for it) & one for personal – to keep in touch with family & friends</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? constant availability & can give status update when running late; don’t have to wait around house for phone call, don’t worry about # of minutes since business line has unlimited calling</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? pro and con: instant availability; pro–don’t have to wait by landline for phone call, pro–can call easilyl & quickly for emergencies, including during travel; con–intrusive (especially hearing others’ calls in public settings) and leads to people interacting face to face less, con–possible health risks, driving risks (inattentive drivers)</p>

16

<p>Age: ~45
Gender: M</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? ~1994</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? Low cost</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? Put my handle on the splash screen so I could tell it apart from the rest of the family. Contact list.
**
What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize?** Use less than $10/mo, primarily calls 1 minute or less. A few text messages. That’s all my phone has.</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? Not really. I more notice that they have one. Not which one in particular. I might notice if they are tapping away on a blackberry or other such, but it is more a notice than “gee whiz”.</p>

<p>**What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? ** I like a one with a keyboard for texting. But, they are too expensive and bulky for the few times I will use them. Cameras are nice for emergencies (take photos of an auto accident). I think people with expensive phones are too tied to their phones. Then again, I use a laptop for those features people are putting on their phones. I like a small phone. The smaller, the better. However, the more feature you put on the phone, the bigger you need to make the phone to use those features.</p>

<p>What do you think about people who have them? I feel sorry for them that they are so tethered to it.</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? Not anymore. Too common place.</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? Not at all. But, it is nice that family can get a hold of me when they need to.</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? Can get in touch with someone any time. More immediacy. don’t have to wait till you can get to a land line. When I’m shopping, it is also helpful to be able to call and say: “Did you want X or Y?”. When I am meeting someone, I can call and say “I’m here”, rather than honking the horn on the car.</p>

<p>However, in business, it makes a lot of difference. A lot of people I interact with are mostly out of the office. Now I can talk to them anytime. I don’t have to wait for them to get to a land line to return my call.</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones?</p>

<p>Pros: Freedom by being Connected 24/7. No worries about missing an important call. Can go out for the evening and know if something happens at home the kids can call us. Don’t have to wait at home for the doctor to return a call. etc.</p>

<p>Cons: Call quality. People using them in rude settings. Shackled by being Connected 24/7. Not me personally, but a lot of people are now “on the job” all the time.</p>

17

<p>age: 51
gender: F</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? Around 2005 or 2006, I’m a very late adopter.</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? It was free. </p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? I pasted a pre-printed address label on the back in case I lose it. I put frequently dialed numbers in the address book. I turn the volume all the way up.</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? Rendez-vousing with my kids. Sometimes I use it as a stopwatch.</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? Only if they are wearing it on their face. But I don’t notice brands.</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them? No idea. So question 2 doesn’t apply.</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? In middle school, yes.</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? Obviously not very important since I always forget to charge it or turn it on.</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? I yell in public because I think the person on the other end can’t hear me. </p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? Good in emergencies if you remember to have it on. Also it’s nice not to have to sit at home waiting for a call.
But answering machines had a much bigger impact on my life, I think.</p>

18

<p>Age: 47
Gender: Female</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? About five to six years ago.</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? It’s cheap.</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? I don’t, but my kids do things like change the ring tone and power-up greeting.</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? I use it for calls and texts to/from my children/husband, not much else.</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? Yes.</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them? Probably the iPhone, because of all its applications and features. I think that some people need them for business, and some people only want them as a status symbol - and don’t really need a phone like that.</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? Yes, they do…but not for me, it’s a tool.</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? Not much most of the time, it’s only important when my children/husband and I need to communicate when we aren’t together.</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? For the most part, no. Most people/places don’t even have the number.</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? To put it in a nutshell, it has been a great communication device for my family; but, for most people I know it has become part of their anatomy. I think some people get too wrapped up in talking on their cell phone and don’t pay enough attention to other things.</p>

19

<p>Age: 43
Gender: F</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? Last year</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? Was a gift from son(s) so they could get a hold of me when they needed to, he has a family plan and put me on one of the lines</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? Nothing, he set up the ring for me</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? The kids call me when they need me</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? Not really</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them? The kind that doesn’t ring!!! Don’t have a clue about other phones</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? Not to me</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? I really can’t stand it, but the kiddos insist I have it</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? Like another poster said, I really like my answering machine and I did figure out after a while that a number comes up when someone is calling and if I don’t recognize it or maybe I DO, that I do not have to answer it. For example if they are all talking and “discussing” a family issue I don’t have to talk to all of them, especially if I am busy.</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? Good for emergencies and the con would be not having any other pros besides the emergencies</p>

<p>Just for perspective the kiddos all have AIM on their computers at school and also talk to each other that way as well as being on their phones with each other and I REALLY can’t stand that either. Makes me nuts. They also text to each other through their phones and the computer at the same time and THAT makes me nuts. So when they are home, the phones and AIM and all that garbage is off. And it better be off before they walk in the house. </p>

<p>I know, not a tech savvy mom and a big nag, but they know better to be more respectful and not so rude.</p>

<p>Kat</p>

20

<p>Age: 50+
Gender: F</p>

<p>When did you get your first cellphone? early 1990s</p>

<p>Why did you choose the phone you have now? at time of purchase, it had best brand reliability & features for most reasonable cost of all the smartphones my cell carrier offered</p>

<p>How do you personalize your cell phone and make it your own? assign unique ringtones to family members so I can recognize who’s calling; upload family member photos to display when they call & phone is on vibrate</p>

<p>What do you use your cell phone for? Just calls, or are there other features and functions that you utilize? calls; text messaging; as my alarm clock; use the world clock to display local + 1 other time zone, the latter being handy while traveling or tracking someone else who’s traveling; check email on the fly; use SMS and web to retrieve maps and restaurant, retail & entertainment info; play Sudoku while waiting in doctor’s ofc; has become my sole address book for all purposes (backed up to computer)</p>

<p>Do you notice what types of phones other people have? no</p>

<p>What do you think is the most desirable phone out there? What do you think about people who have them? Based solely on hype and sales, I guess the iPhone is the most desirable phone on the market today, but I prefer to research my product purchases and might reach a different conclusion if I was shopping for the latest, greatest. I don’t draw conclusions about people based on their phone.</p>

<p>Do cellphones become status symbols? for some people</p>

<p>How important is your cell phone to you? absolutely necessary</p>

<p>How has having a cell phone changed the way you communicate with others? texting has increased communications with my teens; cell phone hasn’t increased phone chatting as I’m not into phone chatting; it has increased logistical and courtesy communications (call for directions, call to advise running late, etc.)</p>

<p>What do you view as the pros and cons of cellphones? Pros–constant line of communication/ability to call for help allows for greater flexibility in arrangements and supports greater independence for teens and seniors; formerly unproductive time now productive (e.g., conduct business while commuting or waiting, can multi-task b/c don’t have to stay glued to a hard-wired phone); I like the multi-functional aspects of today’s cell phones. Cons–some people call about every little thing, some people call & text more than they engage face-to-face, some people rudely use their phones (voice, text & data) at inappropriate times & locations</p>