An audio of a radio broadcast was a focus of this weeks lecture. In discussion, the broad understanding I gained was that the invention of particular media developments were never expected to be as heightened in use and popularity. An exampled used was the mobile phone - ironically, there is a brief mention of the negative aspects of mobile phones.
In my opinion, firstly dismissing social networking sites - there impact is on a completely new level of technology - mobile phones, particularly the use of SMS (Short Message Service) messaging services have taken a turn from the light of business use to a complete social embodiment. Brian Winston, in the article How are Media Born? identifies two accounts of media development in mass society. 'Technological determinism' understands technology as the isolated development on its own and that technology is the dominant factor of inevitable change. Whereas the 'cultural determinist' aspect of change accounts for socioeconomic factors, technology only being a force of many other contributing and global factors.
The question then is, in what category does the increased flight of SMS messaging fall in to? It is the most frequently used means of data service in the world, so it would seem to apply on a global scale of change. But no body ever expected it to. The SMS phenomenon has had a slow 15 year growth, but the industry now is worth over $80 billion. You can see why on daily basis. Any excuse is used to place an SMS message, it's a quick fix, whether reliable or not. It is the more daunting version of a voice mail message if one is choosing to avoid contact. It is the bell that saves one from awkward situations and the back up for a 'unable to call' excuse. It is evident also that it is a safer way to either resolve or cause conflict without even having to see your opponents face. It keeps you safe, and keeps you happy, keeps you on edge or keeps you away.
This is the part where you check your phone, after all, you checked it a whole two minutes ago :)
*http://www.clearsms.com/blog/2008/3/5/history-of-sms-messaging.html
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