At 01:12 PM 12/19/2007, Barry Wellman wrote:
I recently did an interview with a smart reporter, Eric Weiner, from NPR (US National Public Radio). In it, I opined that one of the most prevalent Qs when people talk on mobile/cell phones is "Where are you"?
I don't know the facts of this case, but it does raise an intriguing question in my mind: If ubiquitous communication breaks down geographical limitations, as many have assumed, why would a question about physical location be the most prevalent thing people ask? Why would it matter where you are if all geographic locations are 2 seconds away on speed dial? I have some data-free suspicions, but I'd be interested in others' ideas. ======================================================== James H. Watt Professor of Communication Director, Social and Behavioral Research Laboratory (http://www.sbrl.rpi.edu) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 110 8th Street, Sage Lab 4518 Troy, NY 12180-3590 email: wattj@rpi.edu voice: (518) 276-4130 or 276-2784 fax: (518) 276-3740 SBRL Office: 3142 Winslow Building