sociology of the mobile phone

Jim Guigan’s article ‘Towards a sociology of the mobile phone’was relevant to my own experiences and perceptions of mobile phone use.
He sees the use of mobile as having huge cultural and social significance and that a ‘recent luxury has become a current necessity’, that it was possible to keep in touch and make arrangements with friends without a mobile phone, whereas his kids say they cant live without them. Before I had a mobile I managed somehow but now I cant imagine not having it to keep in touch with everyone. We can literally be more mobile I guess so we don’t have to sit at home waiting for a call.

I agree with Guigan that some users put more value on the phone as an object rather than its use. I know many people who flash around their phones with its countless features like a little toy, almost as a sign of status.
He notes that the mobile is a means of protection and bonding device. I do use mine as protection when by myself and feeling vulnerable and as a way to overcome shyness to text things I couldn’t say face to face.