Politically:
Smartphones have enabled countries to trade and world leaders to stay connected with each other and individuals in the countries they are serving. Smartphones have also enabled the instantaneous sharing of important messages and information and interactive media for political messages. Smartphones have increased people's awareness of global issues through news and social media.
E.g// Political parties sent out mass sms messages to campaign for the 2019 Federal election.
Economically:
Smartphones have a very large market share of all technology available on the market; smartphones are a big business and have created millions of dollars for developers and owners alike.
Advertisers have to fight for brand association
Revenue is gained in accessories
Constant updates have meant individuals want the latest version
New jobs have arisen in research, development, production, selling, advertising and maintenance.
Socially:
Smartphones have enabled individuals to stay connected through various social media and messaging platforms. As well as this they have enabled individuals to capture precious moments with family and friends. Features such as video and FaceTime have allowed individuals to interact closely, reducing the span of the global community. Lastly, contact lists have also been able to store important personal and business information.
However, the development of social media has decreased the amount of face-to-face communication within society and provided a barrier for authentic connection and relationships.
Social:
The iPhone has increased social activity online through connectivity - Global community. However, phone addiction has provided a barrier to authentic relationships and connections.
(Positive and Negative.)
Physical:
The iPhone allows individuals to track their activity, set goals and increase their physical fitness. The 'Health' app is automatically counts your steps, walking and running distances. You can also enter information into a Health category or get data from any of your apps or devices that are compatible with Health. However, the increase of smartphone and ICT use has a correlation with decreased physical activity levels in adolescents. 1 in 4 (26%) children aged 5–12 and around 1 in 10 (8%) children aged 13–17 met the physical activity guidelines. (ABS, 2012)
(Positive and Negative)
Emotional:
The iPhone has allowed individuals with endless opportunities to increase productivity and organisation (Calender, reminders, Artificial Intelligence - Siri). This in turn, positively impacts an individuals emotional state through feelings of contentment and organisation. However, there has also been a correlation between social media and mental health issues. Based on a three-year observational study of almost 10,000 young people aged 13–16, findings suggest teenage girls who frequently use social media are at particular risk of mental health issues (The Lancet Journal, 2019).
(Positive and Negative)
Economical:
The iPhone provides economic support for the individuals who utilize its services. Storing data on the cloud, tracking spending, internet banking and working remotely all help to aid this economic impact. However, as we know the frequent updates and new products as part of the apple eco-system all come with an economic sacrifice. If you owned every part of the Apple Eco System it would cost you approximately $80,000 USD.
(Positive and Negative)
Cultural:
The iPhone provides individuals with the ability to share and enjoy cultural events whilst not being in attendance. FaceTime and social media allows for a stronger global community which is often broken up into different sub-cultural areas. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, people were able to virtually attend Holi and Diwali events that are important to the Indian culture.
(Positive)
Spiritual:
The iPhone allows individuals to enhance their spiritual expression through various applications and services. People can listen to music that enhances this connection as well as applications available to guide you through meditation and prayer. Podcasts allow people to be encouraged and grow spiritually with all types of spiritual expressions available. During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals were able to virtually attend spiritual services on a weekly basis.
(Positive)