“How New Yorkers Adjusted to Sudden Smartphone Withdrawal”
By: Jenna Wortham, NY Times
11/3/2012
<http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/03/how-new-yorkers-adjusted-to-sudden-smartphone-withdrawal/?ref=technology>
Hurricane
Sandy left a devastating impact on the upper East Coast leaving thousands of
New Yorkers without electricity or heat, but the biggest concern they were
facing was the loss of cell phone service. Many had little, if any, access to
even landline connections to be able to access information about the storm and
surround areas. If they did find out information, for instance if the water was
safe to drink, there was no way to verify if this was true. Although this is
minor, it made many people realize how dependent we are on smartphones. Since
they did not have service they had to actually come up with systems on where
and when to meet each other and actually stick with their word. Getting cell
service back was bittersweet to some. A couple living in the West Village
enjoyed cooking by flashlight and exploring their neighborhood.
This
was a very interesting article to read, learning how different people dealt
with losing their cell phone connection. It really made me realize how
dependent we have become on our smartphones. It is a quick and easy way to pass
on information and to get in contact with relatives on the other side of the
country to let them know you are safe. But I almost think we have become TOO
dependent on our smartphones. According to the article, Mr. Juh also admitted to mixed feelings. “It’s strange, how in the end
you feel like a prisoner to your device,” he said. “It’s the one thing you
wanted to work, more than anything.” If I was in that position, I would
be concerned about getting my phone back on, but more importantly I would be
concerned about finding shelter, food, and water. Eventually the power will
come back on and people will find ways of spreading the word without the use of
cell phones. We have done it in the past have we not?
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