Consumer Technology

What Your Cell Phone Says About You

They've been used to document wars and world-changing disasters. Millions around the world use one daily to connect, keep in touch, foresee the future, and brighten the day with laughter, music and entertainment. Somehow, calling these technological wonders mere "phones" seems almost insulting.

Doubtless as you read these words, some enterprising marketer is brainstorming a new word to replace the outdated concept of "cell phone." But no matter what we call it, how we use our cell phones makes a statement about who we are.

Get or Give a Laugh

If you use your cell phone to get a daily joke, you not only have a good sense of humor, you may be health conscious as well. A wealth of research shows that laughter is good for our mental and physical health - from easing depression to lowering blood pressure. Use your cell phone to share jokes with loved ones and you could also be considered a caring individual who is genuinely concerned about the health of others.

Foresee the Future

Use your cell phone to get your daily horoscope and it means you are either a thoughtful, forward-thinking individual who likes to plan for the future. Or it could mean you enjoy a wide range of entertainments, even those you may not totally believe in.

Ring Your Bell

Many people use customized ring tones to take "staying connected" to the next level. Downloadable ring tones not only make a statement about you, you can also use them to identify important, regular callers like parents, spouses, siblings and friends.

Record Your Life

Get a camera phone and you can use it to shoot and share still pictures and videos. From natural disasters to political revolutions, a new baby's first moments or a toddler's first steps, some of the world's most momentous events are now being captured and shared on cell phones.

Decorate Your World

Artistic or iconoclastic, apolitical or liberal, you can use your cell phone's wallpaper to make a statement about who you are. Fashion-focused teens may select wallpaper that features their favorite models. The music-minded can splash the hottest starts on their cell phone screens.

How ever you use your personal mobile device - to download e-mails, surf the net, record life's moments or simply stay in touch - you are making a statement about yourself and how you choose to interact with the world. Just don't call them cell phones anymore!

Copyright © 2006, ARA Content