NPR: Capturing Cell Phone Culture

NPR has a program called Cell Phones: Talking, Texting . . . and Tuning In? This program examines cell phone culture around the world. One very interesting recent broadcast was titled Three Generations' Views on Cell Phones. A 14 year old, a mom, and a grandmother in one family talk about their views on cell phones. At one point the 14 year old says "you just have to have one." It is worth a listen. I think the 14 year old's opinion really reflects her generation. They all want one, but do they know how they can use it for educative purposes? Are they seeing models of this in their everyday lives? Probably not. NPR also posted some statistics of how quickly cell phone use has chanced in the United States over the last year(s). Text messages is the most dramatic, changing from 57 billion in 2005 to over 240 billion in 2007! Before students text message they should read this NPR article on What to Consider When Sending Secrets!

One more fun cell phone resource from NPR, a quick video on the history of cell phones. The end of the video also points to some interesting cultural phenomenon related to cell phones (cell phones can define a person--self expression).