Yellowstone and Cell Phones

Just when I thought the need for cell phones couldn’t any worse I read an article at http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/09/17/yellowstone.cellphones.ap/index.html called “Yellowstone seeks to balance nature, cell phones”. This article stated that in order to balance the competing demands for cell phone service and the tranquility of Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone officials decided to draft a plan to guide the development of wireless service in the park. This plan was also created in order to have wireless and cell phone services in larger developmental areas with stores and hotels. Many assessments say that this plan could have a potential negative effect on the threatened endangered species, and the wilderness. Are we willing as a society to risk the danger of wildlife for service for technology? This is a question we all must ponder.

As I examined this article, I noticed that the title of the article in itself explains the excessive use of the cell phone. Cell phone use has become like second nature, they’re so necessary that without them we are unable to function correctly. Therefore, it seems to me that the need to expand wireless and cell phone service has become more important than the observance of beauty and tranquility of nature. I believe that this is also an example of how computer mediated communications is disconnecting us from the outside world. I feel this way because it seems as if the world has such a need for technology that we miss connection to the living. What really is the point of going to the America’s first national park if a person’s possible main concern is the availability of wireless and cell phone services? Although this type of service is necessary, it is interesting the extensive planning and time consumption that comes with making it so obtainable. This plan is not only to make sure people have a memorable time inhaling the fragrance of nature or enjoying the scenery of Old Faithful (the park’s most visited site), but also the courtesies of communication technology.

In relation back to my electronic communications class, Thurlow and Brown (2003) support an idea of the notion of communication imperative. This implies that humans even at birth are driven to increase their communication satisfaction and interaction. So we try to overcome any obstacles that may prevent us from having technology readily available in any way. In relation to this article the need for service was necessary so a plan was drawn out in order to satisfy the visitor’s “necessity”.