Any person nowadays, spoiled by the blessing of civilization, is a proud owner of a cell phone. A cell phone is needed to respond to e-mails and messages, to read the latest posts in social networks, and, of course, to follow the news in the world of high technology. Indeed, many of today’s tasks are much more conveniently performed using a smartphone. The vast majority of phone users in the USA prefer an iPhone, however, Apple hyperconsumption, according to Nakamura, “emanates from Asia as the locale of both its labor force and its market” (p. 5). With its help, users of iPhones can act as consumers, creators, performers, and demonstrators.
For me, the phone is virtually an all-in-one assistant, helping me to perform daily tasks such as paying bills in just one click or checking the news. Long gone is the time when the phone was used only to answer calls. Now, the phone connected to the Internet allows me to use different social networks and apps to make video calls and exchange instant messages with my friends and family wherever I am. Besides, my phone is media storage for many photos, videos, movies, etc. But apart from storing the media, I myself turn into a creator when I record a video or capture a moment using the phone camera.
The phone readily serves another purpose in helping me manage my documents, create files, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and even set up a website from scratch without the need to use a computer. In her article, Nakamura mentions that in Asia, namely China, having an iPhone is a sign of “coolness” (p. 7). However, for me, the iPhone is more of a facilitator that allows me to perform many tasks without spending too much time on them. I believe that modern gadgets are a blessing if used wisely and correctly.
Work Cited
Nakamura, Lisa. “Economies of Digital Production in East Asia”. Media Fields Journal, 2011.