In 1876, an internal memo from Western Union read, “This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.” Western Union, nor the world at large, could have ever imagined the revolutionary power they held in their hands.  Like a small acorn that turned into a forest of oaks, that “worthless” device would become one of the biggest phenomenon of the next two centuries.

     The full functionality of the phone is phenomenal.  It has become an inseparable part of our lives.  It is hard to go throughout the day without it in hand.  It is borderline addiction.  The compulsory usage is almost comical…maybe even a little sad. 

     Although I personally appreciate the benefits and convenience of the cell phone, I have come to realize that it can lead to an impersonal community and network.  Instead of face-to-face interaction, we have reduced our relationships to words and imagines on a screen.  Ironically, its time-saving functions have actually reduced the time we spend with those we love the most.  From time to time, we should put it down, and reconnect with those in the next room.