James Watt wrote:
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.
Anecdotally, but fun: a friend reported when on a trip (flight?) on the London Eye that fellow travellers were excitedly calling up their friends and screeching where do you think I am! And presumably then sending pretty pictures of London from n feet above the Thames.