Our mobile future
More and more mobileI’ve never been one for the latest technology. I do own a mobile phone, but it’s nothing special – I got it free with some package or other. Most of the time it’s switched off, and quite often the battery’s dead. I use it mainly to ring home when I need picking up or when I’m late for work. I have only 19 numbers listed on it (I know some people who have hundreds). My mobile really doesn’t feature that much in my life. And yet, I know there are times when having it has helped me out of a terrible mess, possibly even danger: for example, on the numerous occasions I have been turfed off a broken-down train somewhere quite different to my intended destination and about three hours later than expected.
The point is, even for those of us who are not constantly downloading new ringtones and changing covers to suit our outfits, the mobile can play an important, if not vital, role in our lives. And this role will only grow as mobile technology continues to become about much more than just a wireless phone.
The possibilities and problems that arise as mobiles take an increasingly central position in societies around the world are the main theme of this supplement. If, in the pages that follow, you come across technology that sounds like something from another planet, hopefully the glossary on page xxx will shed some light – but don’t worry, you’ll almost certainly be using it very soon.
Emily Mann, supplement editor
To read more of the New Statesman special supplement on Our mobile future click here.
Click here to download Adobe Acrobat Reader if you cannot view this file.
