Many people in the world today are living in a prison and do not know it. The prison is one they choose to reside in. These people who reside in this prison go into their cell happily without complaint. The prison is one for the mind and the cell is a cellular one.
The cellular phone has evolved from a brick in your hand to a high-powered computer that fits in your pocket. The name has transformed from cellular phone to ‘smart phone’. The technology has increased to the point where you no longer need to think; the artificial intelligence (AI), does it for you. The phone has become smarter, but has the user become more intelligent?
Having access to all the information in the world is a great thing. The internet can get you needed information quickly. Smart phones have access to the internet, and thus, unlimited information. The cell that is imprisoning many people’s mind has evolved with the creation of apps. The apps on the smart phone are the lock on the door that are keeping many minds in a cellular prison.
Go into any public place and look around. More than likely, people are sitting down and looking at their phones. This is true no matter what type of setting you are in. You see people who are supposedly out on a date sitting across from the date on the phone if you walk into a restaurant. You see people so busy trying to ‘Face- Time’ with others at sporting events, until they miss the live action. You see parents handing their toddlers smart phones to keep them occupied instead of parenting them. The wonderful device which was supposed to free humanity has become a prison for many human minds.
The effect the smart phone, has on education is devastating. The smart phone is a major presence in the average school. Most school districts have rules pertaining to cell phone usage by students and staff. Sadly, these rules are not enforced because many staff members keep their smart phones in their hand. Many teachers and school staff feel that it is easier to text another teacher about an issue. Also, staff have to keep up with the latest news or stories on their social media feeds.
Smart phones have added AI to their repertoire. The impact AI has had on student knowledge is one that the USA is beginning to realize. Some students will use AI when they have to write essays and research papers. The AI can create an essay that would have Shakespeare shaking his head in wonder. All a student has to do is apply their name to the work and they have completed the assignment. Many students understand that all the answers to any problem in all subjects are on the internet. A student can Google an answer to a question in less than three seconds. Internet access and use of AI, via smart phones, is creating a faction of students who have high grade averages. But, in reality, these student’s knowledge is not at the level of the grades.
The smart phone manufacturers are not to blame. People around the world willingly lock their minds into the cell on a daily basis. Many people wake up and are on the smart phone before they get out of bed. Many people use earbuds and other accessories throughout the day to be connected to their smart phone. People have brackets on the dashboard in their cars so they can look at the smart phone while driving. Is Face Time that important?
“A prison for your mind,” actor Lawrence Fishburne said this to Neo (Keanu Reeves) in, The Matrix. That is what the smart phone has become for many people. Don’t get me wrong, the smart phone, AI and other cellular devices are great. The artificial reality they offer is often entertaining. However, are the apps, internet and social media offered on the cell phone better than real life? You have to answer that question for yourself.
Frank James IV © 2025
beingfrankwithfrank@gmail.com
The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the writer and not of the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper or HT Group, LLC, its staff or management. “Being Frank” is a bi-weekly column exclusive to the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper.
