Module II Experiment

Mobile Phone Experiment

Who: Individuals of all ages who own cell phones.
What: A log will be kept of cell phone usage, encompassing not only calls, but texts and internet use. The log will record time, place, reason for use (pleasure, business, etc.).
When: Over a 7 day period of time.
Where: Anywhere the individual goes over the period of time. Particularly focusing on institutions and social situations where an individual is present.
Why: To prove Hans Geser’s ideas that cell phones undermine social order.

By keeping a log it could show how frequently mobile devices are used in institutions proving Geser’s point that these institutions are becoming empty shells without much determining influence on what is “really going on” on the level of social communication and cooperation. Since the experiment would record all times of use it could capture those moments where individuals look to their phone for support, proving Geser’s idea that it is simply an umbilical cord promoting infantile dependency in adults. Allowing the logging of place would encompass the different institutions mentioned, such as, school, work, church, etc. Recording the reason for using would along with the time would show whether or not individuals are contacting their clientele or those providing them with service. The experiment would entirely cover all of Geser’s main points, showing calls which were made to create/cancel plans, those which were providing support, those providing service during the private life, and those which made while in an institution. Thus highlighting the frequency and perhaps even the importance of realizing how we abuse our social order with this device.