In 2014, it is very rare for an individual to say that they do not have or do not want to have the latest smartphone. One is almost ostracized if they do not participate in using social media outlets such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
There is little doubt that our generation is addicted to technology. This obsession will only increase with time, especially with new equipment being put in place for car owners to have 24/7 access to Wi-Fi.
According to U.S. News and World Report, “General Motors announced that 2015 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles will be available with a 4G LTE mobile broadband connection. GM says that the data connection could be used to provide Wi-Fi Internet connectivity or video streaming in models equipped with a back seat entertainment system.”
General Motors along with luxury brands Audi and BMW have expressed interest in adding these systems to their products.
However, not everyone agrees that this new technological advancement is a positive one.
“I think having Wi-Fi in cars is way too distracting. When I first heard about it, I couldn’t think of anything else other than 'What have we come to?’” said sophomore Nichole Lee. “I understand the purpose behind it but I still think it shouldn’t be in cars.”
Car companies offering 4G LTE in their cars is very much a reflection of our generation's want for techonology.
According to Pew Research Center, 90 percent of adults in the United States own a mobile phone, and 58 percent own smartphones. Out of those cellphone users, 63 percent use their phone to access the internet. The Center also finds that 74% of adult internet users use social networking sites. With the increasing use of on-the-go devices and Internet activity, the demand for constant access to the Web is also increasing.
“I think it’s good because, personally, I share data with my four other family members. Instead of using data in the car, you can easily use that accessible Wi-Fi. In retrospect, it’ll help everyone out so much more than ‘hurting them’ with their addiction to technology, ” said senior Mariela Nuñez. “I would be one of the ones to get that in my car for the future.”
By teaming up with phone companies such as AT&T, car companies are expanding their vehicles to be creations for the future by allowing 4G connectivity in cars for their passengers to be even more connected. With this, you can stream online videos, rather than having to use DVDs. You can also have your own Wi-Fi hot spot that can reach multiple devices, not to mention the improvement of navigation systems.
Junior Brandon Petty gave his perspective on the subject.
“I don’t think it's necessary all the time but I do feel as though it’ll help people out in the long run. Especially if you’ll be on the road for long amounts of time or on a road trip. For people with families or small children, you can definitely keep them easily entertained with the Wi-Fi. I see the method behind the madness, but I think as long as it is used wisely Wi-Fi in cars can bring us to a whole new level.”
rmaricha@ramapo.edu
