My Cell, My Self
By Cat Parsons and Lindsay Goodman
In February of this year, the Washington Post took a moment to reflect upon how the cell phone has changed the way people live and work all over the world and how the cell phone has become a device that few of us could live without. The article also paints a picture of how our phones – and what we keep on them – are a reflection of who we are personally and professionally. This made me think: If a stranger were to find my phone sitting on a bench in, say, the Metro – what would they learn about me from what I keep on my phone? What would they learn about my colleague Lindsay Goodman from her phone? Let’s find out!
CAT: Well, the first thing they would learn is that I love baseball. Links on my home screen to the MLB mobile sites for the Washington Nationals and the San Diego Padres might be evidence enough, but what would that be without a few camera phone shots on the device memory?
I also love my social networks. And I am one of “those” people who updates their Facebook page every time I move a muscle. Having a Mobile Facebook icon on my phone just makes it so easy.
Also, it allows me to post camera phone shots of the cute shoes I just bought and of my recent trip to Pismo Beach, 
CA. 
They would also see that I rarely make calls but use Blackberry Messenger and text instead, I visit the Internet Movie Database on my browser a LOT and my ringtone is “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
LINDSAY: Unlike Cat, I don’t use the Internet on my phone. I can, but by no means is it a real browser (not to mention the cost). I do however treat it like my favorite accessory. Not that I would let it get out of my sight, but, if someone found my phone, the first thing they would see is a shot I took for my background:
Oh – and I text. A lot. 500-600 texts a month is normal for me. My addiction to Twitter might be to blame. Some recent tweets were:
*Watching Conan on The Daily Show… the perfect storm.
*They look at me funny when I order a Venti milk
*7:30 am discussion abt evolution & the frailty and splendor of the human body… good morning
*1000+ on my Google reader. You know where I’ll be.
I can also upload a TwitPic and show my friends what I’m up to… like the ice cream I had last week, my most recent surf trip and …
the best salad ever at Chop’t. .
I get excited thinking about the steps the iPhone and other high-end smart phones are taking. Directions and Yelp on-the-go is like a dream. As long as they keep long battery life and environmental concerns in mind (see also: heavy metals and alternative energy options) I think we are just now seeing the tip of the iceberg in mobile.
What are you looking forward to?
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June 23rd, 2008 at 7:41 am
[…] Nilay Patel wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptIn February of this year, the Washington Post took a moment to reflect upon how the cell phone has changed the way people live and work all over the world and how the cell phone has become a device that few of us could live without. … […]
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I find myself texting more and more. I never thought I would say it, but I might be a texter. Basically, it’s the quickest way to get a specific message out. No doubt Twitter is to blame.
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I am looking forward to a day when I can listen to internet radio using my phone even underground on the Metro. Heck, I’d be happy right now just to be able to use my phone as a phone in the Metro system.
June 24th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I thought this info. was interesting and well presented. How about having your next topic be about going green and what you and/or your company has done to help promote a healthy environment. Thanks and keep up the good work.
June 25th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
No doubt cell phones are almost as vital to us as breathing these days! My question is when are the cell phone companies going to make it more practical for us to upgrade phones?! A new phone means having to download and pay for new ringtones, losing pics (unless you have SD capability), and inevitably having to ‘upgrade’ or extend your contract to get a decent discount! And of course the service fees for web browsing, OMG!
June 26th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I love to know how other people are using there phone. Thanks for sharing! As for me my iPod recently gave me the “sad face” so I no longer have an MP3 player so have been using my mobile as my primary source for music on the go. I download music and then listen to it wherever I go! I even use it at the gym and when I walk my dog.
Looking forward to the next post!