The BBC World Service recently broadcast a two part series on mobile phones in todays society. Topics covered the history and cultural aspects of these devices along with commentary on how they are changing human interaction across world cultures. Grab the audio links below:

Part One - The story of a mobile phone:

In the first of two interesting and unusual programmes, Nick Rankin explores the history of the mobile phone technology. The programme also looks at how the mobile is changing the lives of the poor, and questions just how safe and secure our mobile phone conversations are.Link to audio file: 

Part 2 - Human behaviour and mobile phones:

Nick Rankin looks at the software of human behaviour in relation to mobile phones, and how the devices have managed to blur the boundaries of private and public, real and virtual. Voices from Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe tell stories that show that every culture has adapted the mobile phone to its own needs and desires.Link to audio file:

Add to that this wonderful research paper by Motorola on "Mobile phones and effects on social and individual life" by Dr. Sadie Plant, one of the world foremost researchers on social behavior and human interaction and you've got confirmation of most of us already know. That the mobile phone is to stay, that it has done wonderful things for people across the board but like any tool - it is not perfect. 

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