The Construction of Contemporary Mobility

Abstract

This paper stems from the issue of the mobility phenomenon, through the pathway tread by individuals in need of connection and access to an uninterrupted flow of information. In this informational, cultural and technological context, the presence of mobile devices, especially cell phones, stands out quite significantly. Such artifacts, which feature not only voice services, but also texting information and Internet connections, are increasingly present in urban settings, changing access, production, and dissemination of information. Therefore, on account of the mobilities paradigm and its connections to globalization theories and information societies, this article has aimed to discuss the role of information and mobile technologies in the constitution of the contemporary mobility pattern. Moreover, this paper has sought to identify and characterize the defining elements of the mobility era through information flows. Here, a prominent factor was the strength of the symbolic construction of a connected society that is constantly available for interactive processes. The connection made possible with the use of mobile technologies has become one of the most significant aspects of mobility for informational flows: connections are established for entertainment, work, study, location, consumption of goods and expression of feelings. Information processes resulting from a range of interactional operations and the mobility implemented by mobile technology have become increasingly complex and established new paradigms for the production, access, and dissemination of current information. This calls for a broader and more accurate view of what the era of mobility and connection is and what its demands are for a continuous flow of information.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n8p682