Then cell phones took off and now people have their land-line phone (reliability and better sound), their cell phone (always in-touch), and even computer "phone" calls to avoid long-distance charges. Yesterday, I learned that AT&T has decided that it no longer makes business sense to maintain the public phones booths given the prevalence of cell phones. So they are ripping them out, at least in California, and selling them (just check e-bay for prices).
The psychological relevance? Clearly cell phones have a down side. Just consider the research demonstrating the narrowing of attentional resources when making a call while driving. But I wonder if there are measurable psychological benefits associated with cell phones. People have the comfort of being always potential in-touch, women walking alone at night feel more secure when talking on the phone to someone, etc. And could there might be a down side to all this connectedness.
I don't have a cell phone and I really cherish my times when no one can reach me. After a somewhat stressful morning in the office, it is nice to wander off campus for a sandwich, relaxed with the knowledge that this is truely my down time--no phones, no knocks on the door, no crises to deal with. And I can always use a public pay phone if I feel a need to contact someone. But with no pay phones--does that mean I have to join and masses of cell-phone toting folks? Change was in the wind when they took out enclosed phone booths in favor of open-air pay phones (and the encompanying problems of outside sound interference). I should have realized a total phase-out was in the works.
--Dave
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David E. Campbell, Ph.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Department of Psychology Phone: 707-826-3721 Humboldt State University FAX: 707-826-4993 Arcata, CA 95521-8299 www.humboldt.edu/~campbell/psyc.htm
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