In the reading (see ref) there is a discussion of the “Multi option society” referring to this kind of hyper consumerism where a single function of a product e.g. mobile phone for voice calls is no longer enough. The mobile phone now has to be loaded with as much functionality as possible, not just for differentiation between products but to engage the consumer needs for more of and better quality products, believing that all this extra functionality will somehow increase their quality of life. I am not separating myself from consumers as I am a consumer and often have an urge to get the latest gadget.Added to this is emotional loading which is more than just the branding (of oneself), aesthetic qualities of the hardware and the emotional response of owning a new piece technological bling. This emotional loading is the need to be connected with others or the perceived connection or the invisible ping between devices connecting us all. The new generation of smart phones such as the new iphone allows us the possibility of more simultaneous relations on a single device. The smart phone offers GPS, Wi-Fi and 3G, multiple streams of connection, allowing multiple applications msn, Skype, email, facebook and voice calls to run simultaneously. In theory it sounds great, I was running to pick up one of these babies when I realised how much is enough (it took me awhile) and how much of this functionality do I need, and how connected do I need to be. The idea of pinging is relevant to the idea of being networked, when one computer pings another it is to check if it is still connected to a network. This is basically how computer mediated technologies function, there is no need for one to one streams of interaction and communication there has been a movement to a one too many simple single “test messages” sms, msn, facebook apps to remind the network that we are connected.
Ref: Glotz,P & Bertschi, S, Loading mobile phones in a multi-option society in Glotz,P & Bertschi, S, and Locke,C.(Eds) (2005): Thumb Culture: The meaning of Mobile Phones in Society, Transaction Publishers, London, U.K.
