Ringing the Changes / Paano na ang Ligawan?

In the past decade, cell phones, once reserved for the rich and elite, are now ubiquitous in Africa and some parts of Asia. These devices allow developing countries to “leapfrog” older technologies. This results to better country prospects, or does it?

In the West, the cell phone is often used as a fashion accessory (Ahem… That also happens in the Philippines), but in the developing world it is a life line, a mobile office, an easier way to do business.

The cell phone revolution has taken the developing countries by storm. Statistics from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) indicate that in 2006, 70% of worldwide cell phone subscriptions came from developing countries.

Around half of the world’s population has a cell phone. Economists claim that these cell phones are being used in a way that can significantly reduce poverty and improve quality of life.

Why? Compared to contemporary communication technologies, the cell phone is much cheaper. Mobile networks only require cell phone towers - a cost that the private sector is more than willing to shell out (Click here for more information).

But, there are also trade-offs.

Youth are being raised in a society that is entirely dependent on wireless communication. This does not bode well for societies that are rich in tradition, like the Philippines.

I think Aristotle said it best, when he said “man is a social animal.” Perfect example: courtship or Ligawan. When I was a boy, I used to muster all my strength to approach my crushes. I had to come up with conversation topics on call. It was very spontaneous and nerve-racking. Ngayon, Ligawan sa text nalang. Wala ka nang kakaba-kaba.

Although the old way was less efficient, it had more character to it. Don’t you agree? Just goes to show, efficiency isn’t always the best alternative.

Bottom-line: the cell phone betters lives in ways that are good, bad and ambiguous.

Sources: Edition, CNN