Research On The Evolution Of Interpersonal Communication Based On Mobile Phones - The Perspective Of Media Environment

Media environment could influence and shape the cognition and behavioral habits of users. The change of the media environment could also bring about the change of the communication scene, which would lead to the change of the relationship between each other. When we are in the use of communication tools to make contacts, we will be changed by tools in turn. Nowadays, whether to maintain relationships or develop them, cellphones have become the "social fact" that almost perceived by everyone. As a result, they have a profound change in the form of interpersonal communication. This paper aims to study how the status of interpersonal communication has been changed and shaped by cellphones step by step, trying to sort out the evolution of the form of interpersonal communication in cellphones.According to the theory of media ecology, this paper believes that the emergence and prevalence of each new function in cellphone will create a new kind of media environment. The author believes that, the evolution of interpersonal communication patterns in cellphones has experienced four stages till now:the Acquaintance Social Communication in the beginning stage of the mobile phone, the General-Acquaintance Social Communication in the stage of when short message played a leading role, the Half-Acquaintance Social Communication in the stage of multi-function cellphone, and the Acting-Acquaintance Social Communication in the stage of Intelligent cellphone. Every new technology meets the upgrading needs of users. However, the technical means also cause the loose and flat interpersonal relationships. Just as Marshall McLuhan said, when the media extend communication, it amputate it as while. When sensory extend to use, it is abandoned as while. As the cellphone entering our daily life, the communication become more convenient, but the distance between each other becomes unable to embrace, the phenomenon of "talking into the air" still exists. Understanding these will help us to play the positive role of mobile phones, and make better communication between each other.