Youth in the 21st century have been born into the age of technology. They know how to use computers, DVD players, iPods, and a variety of other technological marvels that their parents still do not understand completely, and according to Rodriguez (2002), "almost one-third of all American teens carry at least one cell phone" (Dawursk). Of teenagers aged 13 to 18, at least 50% own at least one portable device-a cell phone, Palm Pilot, pocket PC, pager, or ultra light laptop (Dawursk). Cell phones have been "embraced by younger generations more quickly and incorporated more seamlessly into their daily routines," resulting in sociological changes (Vandewater & Lee 3). Writing on youth culture and cell phones, Douglas Stewart asserts that "Cell phones are becoming to today's youth what rock and roll was to the youth in the 1960's," commenting that teenagers with cell phones "have developed their own language and social groups away from the prying eyes of their parents." This paper will explore the influence of cell phones on youth in the approximate age range of 17 to 21 years old, identifying the ways that cell phones have changed or affected their lives.
One of the primary impacts of cell phone use on youth is social. Today's teens are "connected," both by cell phones and by Internet use/e-mail, to their friends and acquaintances. Teens "have been using cell phones to form friendships and social groups away from their families" as a way of ensuring privacy, and this trend has distanced them from their parents to a certain degree (Stewart). Although many teens continue to talk to their parents, many more prefer text messaging instead, to obviate the need to answer any unwanted questions (Stewart). Since texting-like e-mail-is an imperfect medium for discerning someone's mood and intent, misunderstandings can result (Stewart). Nevertheless, cell phone use is increasing among youth, and experts estimate that 81% ...