Disney Cell Phones
2006 will be known as the year of the cell phone. Looking around and seeing cell phones everywhere, the question could be raised legitimately as to whether or not this took place years ago. However, the advent of ESPN mobile has ushered in a new era. Cell phones have been transformed from being simply devices for voice communications to full-fledged portable entertainment and information devices. In other words, cell phones are not just mobile phones anymore.
Earlier this month, Disney became the second major company to launch a co-branded cell phone service called “Disney Mobile”. Available in June, Disney Mobile service will allow parents to set limits on their children’s cell phone use and track their whereabouts via GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. The service, which can be accessed through disneymobile.com will also be deployed in kiosks in malls.
While the service will serve as a source of comfort for some parents and provide a greater sense of control over the use of minutes and usage for others, the real implications of Disney Mobile and other forthcoming services lies in the evolution of cell phones into portable entertainment and productivity devices.
A recent study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project showed that a significant number of Americans are interested in using their cell phones to search for movie listings, play music, watch videos, text message, and play games. Indeed, 14% of cell phone owners currently use ther cell phone to access the Interent and another 16% would like to have that ability.
The desire for cell phones to have greater levels of functionality and interactivity is consistent with the trends in technology for convergence (where more and more previously isolated functions are now being done on a single device) and miniaturization (where smaller devices now have the power and functionality of larger devides).
Companies are thus capitalizing on the advancements in emerging technology as well as users’ increasing dependence on these technologies in daily life. Should the ESPN mobile and Disney mobile business models be successful, we will quickly see other companies and content providers jumping into this arena. This may be a mixed blessing, however.
With the increasing push for mobile content, it will not be long before pornographic material is readily available on these portable entertainment devices either through a co-branded, Playboy-type phone service or mobile pornographic content.
Therefore, parents and Christians must understand the full implications of these technologies. The technologies themselves are not inherently good or bad. Rather, what is critically important is how these technologies are applied and used in our daily lives and what material is accessed through these devices. I represent the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in this arena and I can say that the active involvement of the Archdiocese in the Religious Aliance Against Pornography (RAAP) is making strides in this arena. While we applaud the positive applications of these technologies, we must be ever-vigilant and work together with bodies such as the CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association) to ensure that the transition from mobile phone to mobile entertainment device is one that benefits us all instead of endangering children and families.
