According to the website consumeraffairs.com, “Almost all Americans own and use a smartphone”. While there are several applications for smartphone use ranging from consuming content to conducting business, experts have raised concerns about its potential overuse. This is particularly interesting since smartphone use is almost second nature to most people.
However, this widespread usage has brought with it several complications and challenges especially in a fast-paced and population dense city like New York where people seem to be engrossed in their phones while on sidewalks, subway stations, and in other public spaces. Though this behavior is commonplace and often overlooked by most, it is a hindrance to commuters and everyday travelers who see this phenomenon as an irritant that often impacts their lives directly or indirectly. According to a 2015 Pew Research survey, 77% of the population consider this behavior “Not Okay” especially while walking down the street.
Do people use smartphones for mere communication/entertainment or does this public behavior have sociological and psychological precedent and implications?
Join me as I intend to explore this behavior and get to the bottom of the issue by observing, investigating, and interviewing different stakeholders and experts about the topic. The tone of the doc will be mixed: while expert interviews will be serious to get to the bottom of the issue, interviews with students/general audience will be interactive and “fun.”
| Main Characters: CUNY studentsDr. Elizabeth Miller (Sociology)Prof. Linda Kalfayan (Communications)Psychology professor (TBD) | Crew:Producer/Director: Anirudh Tekalkote |
| Filming Locations:Manhattan, NYWestchester, NY | Timeline:Weekends of April 5, 12, 19April 15th rough cut due. |