In recent decades, technology has majorly evolved and changed people's lifestyles. Technological innovations have changed the way individuals perceive and relate to the world around them. In this paper, I will reflect on the impact of Uber and Smartphones in my life. Besides, I will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the two technologies.
Smartphones
Smartphones have impacted almost every facet of people's lives. The areas that have been majorly affected by smartphones include education, business, health, and social life. Problematic smartphone use is associated with various issues such as mental health problems (low self-esteem and self-confidence, anxiety, and depression), reduced attention span and concentration, minimized ability to form strong relationships, and disturbed physical and financial health. Despite these drawbacks, smartphones have provided different opportunities for people using them (Sarwar & Soomro, 2013). Smartphones are used as activist tools by enabling individuals to capture photos, videos and posting violent incidents hence mobilizing the public to rise against such actions. Smartphones also act as entertainment devices through access to iTunes, Netflix, listening, viewing, and playing materials. Smartphones have also revolutionized how people interact. Currently, phone calls, text messages, and chatting on social media platforms have dominated the socialization scene. Smartphones also enable individuals to select specific mobile applications that satisfy their interests, such as downloading material and getting directions.
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The ethical issues associated with smartphone use include cheating in exams, addiction, cyberbullying, and engagement in terrorism. The increased exposure of students to smartphones increases the likelihood that they will cheat during exams. Besides, the increased use of smartphones causes addiction, affecting people's physical and mental health statuses (Sarwar & Soomro, 2013). Also, the use of smartphones increases the likelihood that individuals will be engaged in cyberbullying. This is specifically so among the young people who may seek validation from the likes and comments they get from strangers comments on social media platforms. When this does not happen, and instead, such people get negative comments, they are likely to suffer from stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation due to cyberbullying.
Additionally, the use of smartphones has transformed the way that people perform daily activities. For example, smartphones have changed the ways that people communicate with others. Traditionally, people used to interact through face-to-face meetings. This has since changed as individuals now communicate through smartphones. Smartphones have also expanded people’s worldviews and social circles (Sarwar & Soomro, 2013). Traditionally, people used to cut social ties in predictable patterns such as when transitioning from high school to college, when moving to new neighborhoods, when starting new relationships and when changing jobs. Smartphones facilitate the existence of enduring relationships on social media platforms. Essentially, smartphones enable people to form diverse social networks due to the presence of persistent relationships.
This discussion portrays that the benefits of smartphones far outweigh the limitations. More organizations will produce smartphones in the future, and more clients will purchase these products.
Uber
The issues created by Uber include employment, efficiency, inclusion and facilitates the addressing of social problems. In terms of employment, Uber’s expansion in the world has created many new jobs for drivers. Besides, Uber creates increased efficiency in transport in cities across the globe. Most cities are cramped, windy, and no sidewalks, meaning that many pedestrians are on the streets at any given time (Pepic, 2018). Uber encourages riders to share rides hence reducing the number of people and vehicles on the road. Additionally, Uber allows women to drive clients even in Asian countries that forbid women from driving. This enhances inclusion and reduces the stigmatization of women in the transport industry. Uber has also partnered with civil society in addressing various social issues such as pollution and waste disposal.
Uber offers various opportunities for its clients, such as convenience, professional services, competitive prices, and safe and flexible rides. With just a smartphone, clients can download the Uber app and ask for their services within no time (Pepic, 2018). The Uber drivers provide professional services based on good customer service, cheap options, and using clean and well-maintained vehicles. Besides, Uber offers competitive prices that are less than the ones provided by taxi and car services. Also, Uber offers safety for its customers since the drivers are registered.
The ethical issues faced by Uber include passenger safety and privacy. In terms of passenger safety, Uber drivers have in the past been accused of sexually harassing passengers. This, therefore, raises the question of whether clients are safe when using Uber for transport (Pepic, 2018). Uber also raises the privacy issue since the company shares the location of customers with the drivers. This undermines the duty of the company to respect customer’s privacy.
Based on this discussion, the positive aspects of Uber outweigh the negative points. As such, the company only needs to work on the ethical issues raised to enhance customer experience.
Conclusion
This paper has explored the issues and opportunities presented by Uber and smartphones. The findings indicate that the advantages of these new technologies exceed the disadvantages. As such, more people around the world are likely to adopt the use of these technologies that have revolutionized the transport and automobiles industries.
References
Pepic, L. (2018). The sharing economy: Uber and its effect on taxi companies. Acta Economica. 16(28). https://doi.org/10.7251/ACE1828123P
Sarwar, M. & Soomro, T. R. (2013). Impact of smartphones on society. European Journal of Scientific Research. 98(2): 216-226.
