By: Leilani Bruce
Technology has drastically improved throughout the years, and it has had a huge impact on how people interact and view certain situations. Technology grew from computers that had to be plugged into a wall, to portable devices that people carry with them day-to-day. This form of mobility can be described as mobile technology. Mobile technology is considered technology that can go wherever the user goes. Today, we see mobile technology mostly in smartphones that everyone has.
I interviewed a subject to see what they carry with them day-to-day and what is considered their ‘mobile technology.’ I talked with Washington State University senior, Brenna Sermeno. Sermeno is a long time friend of mine, and it was interesting to see what she carried with her everyday. On Wednesday, February 23rd, I caught Brenna at a time in between her classes and was able to see what she held in her backpack. Some are items that everyone carries with them day-to-day, and other objects would be foreign to people if this assignment was done five years ago.
To start, Sermeno carried her cell-phone, laptop, airpods, laptop charger, planner, lip oil, lotion, and a mask. When asked Sermeno what she thought ‘mobile technology’ meant she responded with a definition of meaning to her.
“Mobile technology is technology that I can carry with me… yes, I only have a few mobile technological devices, but these items are all necessary for me to maintain tasks and assignments throughout the day,” said Sermeno.
And that is exactly what it is, everything that Sermeno carried with her had some sort of importance to her daily routine.
First, Sermeno carried her cellphone. A cell phone is considered ‘mobile technology’ because it is a technological device that can be carried by an individual, and even fit in one's pockets. This is the most popular form of mobile technology and a huge percent of the world carries a cell phone with them, everyday. Cellphones are a huge necessity in today's society for many reasons. Not only are cell phones portable and convenient, but they can also act as another layer of personal safety, has easy access the internet for questions, teaches younger people how to be responsible, have become a powerful learning tool, access to many tools and shortcuts, provide a connection with j long distance friends and family, share and store images, and so much more. Cell Phones truly do it all and are a necessary part of everyone's life.
“I feel like when I’m without my phone, I'm lost. I rely on my phone for everything and nowadays, we need our cell phones for everything we do,” said Sermeno.
Next, Sermeno carries her laptop with her everywhere as well. A laptop is considered ‘mobile technology’ because again, it is a form of technology that can be transferred easily and portable to where one goes. Laptops are also considered a top form of ‘mobile media’ because most of society has/needs a laptop nowadays. Laptops are super important in today's society, and almost always necessary, especially in the classroom, and outside of the classroom for homework assignments and tests. Laptops have also had a huge need in society when the pandemic happened because everyone had to use apps like Zoom in order to join in on classes and group projects. With Sermeno being a full time student, it is crucial she keeps her laptop with her at all times. Not only does she need to keep her laptop on her, but she always heavily relies on the laptop charger to help her keep up with her work that needs to be done on the laptop. Laptops use a lot of power, and Sermeno uses it everyday, so having both on hand is crucial to her learning.
“When I walk into a classroom, almost everyone has their laptops out taking notes, and finishing other assignments. If you don't have a laptop, it is hard for anyone to finish their assignments and some of our classes require one,” said Sermeno.
The last ‘mobile technology’ device that Sermeno carries with her is her airpods. Airpods are considered ‘mobile technology’ because it is a technological device that can be transported easily, is small, and has a huge need among the students. Airpods are wireless headphones that can connect to almost any device. They are very popular and necessary for people, especially in college. They allow you to listen to music, lectures, or reports through an easy, and convenient device. Sermeno has to listen to a lot of class lectures and it is nice when she can just pop in her headphones anywhere she is at, and listen to what she needs too. Sermeno also enjoys listening to music as she walks to campus.
“If I didn't have my headphones, especially walking to class, I wouldn't have motivation to get through the day… It is always nice to put on a power song while I walk to campus, it gives me the energy I need,” said Sermeno.
The next items are not considered ‘mobile technology’ because they aren't technological devices but they are still important to Sermeno, so we will call them ‘mobile necessities.’ That being said, Sermeno carries multiple forms of self care including lip oils and lotion. Sermeno suffers from eczema, and needs lotion to stay moisturized and keep her skill looking and feeling healthy throughout the day. The lip oils she carries do the same thing.
Finally, Sermenos' last ‘mobile necessity’ includes her mask. Ever since the Pandemic that struck the world in the year 2020, a mask mandate has been implemented where everyone has to wear a mask in any public place. There was a lot of controversy throughout the beginning of the pandemic and people refusing to wear them, but ultimately most people got on board. This is an item that would be foriegn to someone doing this assignment five years ago, not now it is so common and everyone is more than likely to have at least one mask on them at all times. Starting March 21, masks will no longer be required, but it is still something people will most likely carry with them just in case.
“I’m sure no one wants to wear the mask, but it is necessary to keep everyone safe… I have gotten used to the mask and always having one with me, but in March it will be nice to not need to wear one and see everyone's faces,” said Sermeno.
Overall, ‘mobile technologies’ are very common for people to carry with them everyday. Sometimes they aren't quite necessary to carry, and other times if you don't have it, you have a sense of ‘loss,’ or feel behind. Mobile technologies are important to have and have definitely made everyday tasks much easier.
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