- smartphone they are as complex a reality for anthropological studies as they are "banal" for individual users. Often one does not realize the power that these devices have on people and their behavior. A recent research of the University College of London sheds some light on what this device has become for users. This is the most in-depth study ever carried out in this area that demonstrates how a user feels more and more disoriented if he does not have a mobile device in his hands. let's see the details.
The smartphone risks disorienting the user: a research by University College London shows that if we lose it, we no longer have a home
The researchers ofUniversity College of London they analyzed the behavior of modern users and specifically their relationship with smartphones. According to them, these are gradually taking place transforming by simple means of communication in real "homes" we live in. Modern smartphones have a huge number of features, which allow you to stay in touch with relatives, receive medical services, read news and much more.
A team of 11 anthropologists spent 16 months documenting smartphone use in nine countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, with one particular attention paid to the elderly. Their analysis is published in The Global Smartphone: Beyond a youth technology.
Despite the endless possibilities, these are transformed into a place of residence that users carry around their shells like snails. In fact, if we think about it, it is like this: having our whole life on a device, it is obvious that this will follow us as if it were our home, our shell. But where is the problem in all of this? Some people pay so much attention to their "virtual homes" from neglect those around them. The researchers called this phenomenon "the death of intimacy".
Read also: The worst proximity sensor of all will arrive for many more smartphones
The death of intimacy that causes the smartphone brings disappointment and even resentment among others. As a result, people, even within an arm's length of each other, remain physically, emotionally and socially alone. Well, for some, a smartphone is just a refuge, an opportunity for hide from problems and from ourselves.
Scientists claim:
At any time, during a meal, meeting or other joint activity, the person we are with can simply disappear, leave the house with their smartphone
What other things has the University of College research highlighted?
Unfortunately these aspects described above are not the only things that emerged from the study. In particular, the research has shed light on how the way of relating to others has changed. We are no longer inclined to communicate with each other through words, but through images and videos. Think of the EVEN which have now become a language in all respects, creating a real obsession. However, not all evil comes to harm.
Another thing that has been noticed is how it is trying to reunite the family thanks to the smartphone. Family groups that otherwise could not be seen (also thanks to covid-19), can be together thanks to the creation of contact groups such as those of WhatsApp. In essence, smartphones allow us to "Re-incorporate" our extended families into our lives and participate and "live" in larger family groups.
How can we solve this thorny situation?
The solution, as always, is neither white nor black. We must not stop using smartphones, but use them with the awareness of what you are doing. When we eat, we don't make our stomachs explode just because we are hungry: the speech is the same. using your smartphone only when you need it is the only solution to this problem that you risk turn us into digital zombies.
