About Us

We are a group of students at American University who are attempting to document how technology has come to influence our culture. Every day we use our cell phones, MP3 players, and computers without even realizing how they may be affecting us. We hope to encourage others to participate in the observation of technology in our everyday lives. This project was inspired by Caleb Crain's article in the New Yorker; Surveillance Society.

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

Shh... No Cell Phones Allowed!

Tuesday night around 8:30 pm. Bender Library. Bottom floor near periodicals.

A phone at the table behind me is making beeping noises to get the attention of its owner. It sounds like a low battery alert. 7 people turn around to see where the noise is coming from. Within my view, there are three cell phones not in use, but lying on tables next to laptops.

A girl siting diagonally to my left and back has her cell phone lying open on the table. She appears to be waiting for a call.

The girl sitting across from me has a blue phone, shaped like a jelly bean. She pushes a button on the side to check the time every 10 minutes or so.

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