Good example of critical thinking on critical evaluation essay: technology, language & writing

Forms of the technology

The use of cell phones has become synonymous with each development in technology. The cell phone has moved from a simple devise used for communication and storing contacts to a device that can perform more functions than an average computer. The fact that a cell phone is small and portable has made it common among people from all lifestyles. Cell phone companies have made it possible for almost everyone to own the device by designing it to fit needs and economic status. The advances that are currently being made on technology are making a cell phone to be more sophisticated with the ability of performing even more functions. On average, at least every household owns a mobile phone.
Communication has always been vital in enhancing relationships. In the current world where people are not always physically close as they were and the need for more interactions has made it necessary for every adult to own a phone. From the simple handsets to the sophisticated ones, each person can get what they can afford depending on their needs. A cell phone is an overall devise that can be used for formal business communications, informal relationships or just for some leisure. Mobile phone companies are always coming up with innovative means through which to make a cell phone more reliable and significant at all time.

Activities involved

Since its invention, a cell phone has grown from simply making calls, sending messages and storing contacts to being able to access the internet, showing directions through GPRS, taking photos and videos then sharing them on the web and much more. Functions such as browsing were done by the computer. It was impossible for a person to check mails unless they have access to a computer. However, as years passed by and there was need for prompt communication, cell phones were designed to perform almost all purposes that a computer can perform. In fact, cell phones are currently portable computers where a person can do all they wish without necessarily being confided to a computer (Omar, Miah et al 2012). The fact that it is portable makes it more convenient to browse everywhere and hence not missing important deals and communications.
Cell phones have become even more convenient in the wake of social media networks. One may not necessarily have to go through the long process of accessing the most preferred sites. Modern cell phones are installed with specific software and applications that enable a person to access what they want at a click. Other features such as games, music, radio and even watching television have all been fitted in this small device and hence making life more interesting. This implies that one can access almost everything they need as long as they a phone. As good as this may sound, the use of mobile phones have also had a negative impact on individuals (Baron, 2008). This is more especially among the young people who have been born with cell phones. It has affected their ability to socialize with the outward community as well as negatively influencing their spoken and written language.

Abilities required/developed

There are no tough rules that are required for one to own a mobile phone. As long as a person can read and write the rest about mobile phones is self-explanatory. Cell phones come with varieties on language and the likes, which makes it convenient for any user. Such minimal requirements that are synonymous with the current generation from the age of five years have made it a common asset among both the young and the old. Apart from specific institutions of learning that discourage children from owning the device, there are no government laws that prohibit children from owning and using mobile phones. Even in schools that such devices were discouraged, school administrations have had to relent considering the necessity that comes with them.
It has been considered that at times children are caught up in situations where they are supposed to communicate with either their parents or some senior person. It will only be convenient for them if they have a cell phone. This is more so when they are found in an insecure situation like a fire, accident or even a kidnap. Such issues have made parents not only train their children on how to use a cell phone but also buy them one. This is so despite many other negative consequences associated with the use of phones. Some of the parents who have denied their children the privilege of owning a phone get surprised when they realise that they have already acquired one. We are living in a society where a person, whether young or old will do anything to ensure they own this important devise.

Impacts on language/literacy/writing

The use of cell phones requires literacy skills such as reading and writing. This hence implies that their frequent use also affects how a person writes and even reads. The size of a mobile phone does not allow a person to fix more details especially when writing. It is not only tiresome to type the words in full but also comes with a limitation of characters that one can use to pass a message. It is because of this reason that their use comes with a lot of shortening of words. There is no specific formula used to shorten words, which makes the users to invent ways of ensuring that they convey the much-needed message (Morris, 1989). It is usually assumed that the recipient will decode the language and be able to get the message.
There are certain short forma that are generally accepted and used when sending messages. This may however be among people of a specific profession or age group who probably communicate and use the words frequently. This may become quite different when the message is send to a different person who may not be able to decode the language. They will have a hard time trying to decode the message and even become a nuisance if it being conveyed from a junior to a senior person. Shortening of messages is most common among the young people who also derive a lot of pleasure in doing it. Since they have not known any other language of conveying a massage and cannot just write the word in full, they send the shortened messages to their parents, teachers or even seniors at the work place. This is considered rude and arrogance which is likely to strain the existing relationships (Le Vine & Scollon, 2004).
There is also the use of slung language, which is also common among teenagers. This is even more dangerous as the words are derived from other unofficial languages. Some of the people using such language may not be aware that it is slung and take it as normal official languages. The words are commonly used not only when communicating on mobile devises but also in normal conversations. When such words become so common, it is never a surprise that a student will use them in their official writing as well as oral communication. It has reached a level where there is no proper distinction between a language that is socially and officially acceptable. Most of the current youths have grown up knowing that slung is an official language of communication only to be disappointed when they use it in the wrong forum.
Language is a vital tool in our day-to-day interactions and communication. Informal communication has given us the ability to come up with our own words as long as the person we are communicating with understands them. There is however, need to understand the difference between peers, class work, parents, teachers and even our bosses at work. Even though some of the people that we look at as seniors may not mind such conversations as they have become common, it is important to avoid them at all cost. The best way to practice good communication is to avoid using them in our daily communication no matter how ‘ cool’ they appear. A person is always safe having to write a long clear message rather than shortening it and ultimately missing important relationships. One should always remember that in as much as slung fades with each passing generation, proper language will always be acceptable and appreciated. When it comes to communicating, dignity is more important than age or stage.

References

Baron, N. (2008). Always on: Language in an online and mobile world. Oxford University Press.
Le Vine, P., & Scollon, R. (Eds.). (2004). Discourse and technology: Multimodal discourse analysis. Georgetown University Press.
Morris, D. E. (1989). Electronic Information and Technology: Impact and Potential for Academic Libraries. College and Research Libraries, 50(1), 56-64.
Omar, A., Miah, M., Sasa, H., Rashed, A. N. Z., Panday, K. M., Roga, S., & Singh, A. P. (2012). Impact of Technology on Teens’ Written Language. International Journal, 1(1).