SMS technology and its impact on human communication patterns

Birth Control

Short Message Service

Introductory Paragraph

The advent of the Short Message Service (SMS) has altered the way that way communicate by making the 'text message' or the act of 'texting' a standard form of personal and professional communication. The research proposal outlined here would prove that the SMS has had a direct impact on the way that we relate in terms communicating information, using language and reflecting cultural orientation.

The use of the text message in everyday life has altered the way that we receive and convey information, essentially altering the way that we interact with one another via telecommunications.

2. Explanation

The article by Urmann points out that in "2007 alone, there are 42.70 million people who are subscribers of mobile phones. Text messaging has been very popular in the Philippines because it has been a cheap and reliable alternative means of communication."

C. Teens use texting in ways specific to current youth culture.

1. Research points out that uptake and frequency of usage have been highest amongst teen users, and that specific usage trends have been pinned to said teens.

2. 'Sexting,' the use of the SMS medium to send sexually provocative messages or images, is an increasingly popular mode of usage for teens.

V. Conclusion Paragraph

There is little denying that the text message has become integrated as a part of our everyday lives. However, as the outline here above demonstrates, we often give very little thought to the way that this integration impacts our behaviors and our interactions. The deconstruction of communicative, linguistic and cultural realities pertinent to the increased permeation of text-message presented here above should lend some insight into the ways that we ourselves have been changed by our the way we interact with this technology.

Works Cited:

Primary:

Milian, M. (2009). Why Text Messages are Limited to 160 Characters. Los Angeles Times.

Shannon, V. (2007). 15 Years of Text Messages, a 'Cultural Phenomenon.' The New York Times.

Secondary:

Boswell, S. (2012). Lost in Translation: Texting Killing Human Communication Skills. The DePaulia.

Chan, a.; Lau, J.; Liu, S. & Mabe, E. (2004). The Social Impacts of Mobile Phones and Text Messaging. Wayback Machine.

Erickson, C. (2012). A Brief History of Text Messaging. Mashable Tech.

Snowden, C. (2007). Casting a Powerful Spell: The Evolution of SMS. Peter Lang Publishing.

Urmann, DH (2009). The History of Text Messaging. Article Base.

Birth Control:

I. Introductory Paragraph

This most recent election cycle brought unexpected focus to the public discourse over birth control. Nearly half-a-century from the start of the women's liberation movement, birth control is an issue which continues to implicate widely divergent practical and philosophical ideas regarding contraception. In particular, as the essay proposed here will show, innovation and improved research both continue in this field, even as they are obstructed by the moral objections of political conservatives and religious groups.

II. The medical community continues to engage in research and development aimed at improving the safety, effectiveness and variety of available methods of contraception.

A. Researchers continue to seek out new and less hormonally intrusive ways of providing women with effective contraception.

1. The article by Suszynski (2012) indicates that methods such as a skin-applied gel or an intravaginal emergency contraception could be on the market soon.

2. Research continues to minimize the side effects relating to these methods without blunting their effectiveness.

B. Work continues to reduce the risks sometimes associated with birth control methods

1. Low level risks such as possible blood clots continue to stand in the way of over-the-counter birth control.

2. The article by Rettner (2012) says that the FDA would be required to test the safety and effectiveness of every method of birth control made available over the counter.

C. Among the advances in the variety of contraceptive methods, recent research tells that a male birth control pill may soon be available.

1. According to the article from Cell Press (2012), "A male birth control pill hasn't been easy to come by in large part because of the challenge of getting any drug across the blood:testis barrier, where it can reach the sperm-generating cells. That lack of contraceptive alternatives for men is partially responsible for the high rate of unplanned pregnancies."

2. Scientists using lab mice have made advances in creating temporary and reversible infertility in men.

III. Research continues to advance our understanding of the reproductive system and to improve the responsiveness of this understanding as reflected by methods of contraception.

A. Research demonstrates that some methods of birth control may carry more unwanted side effects than others.

1. For instance, the study from Indiana University (IU) (2011) denotes that the hormonal method of birth control carries a number of potentially negative sexual side effects.

2. According to IU, "women using hormonal contraception experienced less arousal, fewer orgasms, difficulties with lubrication, decreased pleasure and less frequent sex."

B. Some methods of birth control have been proven by continuing research to promote better results than others.

1. A recent study, reported on by MacMillan, shows that intrauterine devices (IUDs) or under-skin implants are more effective than the birth control pill.

2. MacMillan reports that "According to a new study, these long-acting forms of contraception are 20 times better at preventing unintended pregnancies than the Pill and other short-term methods."

C. Research increasingly supports the ideas that birth control pills can be safely administered over the counter and without prescription.

1. According to Neergaard (2012), the association of OB/GYNs asserted that birth control pills should be sold over the counter like condoms.

2. The decision is based on emergent findings that this availability would substantially reduce the number of unintended pregnancies in the U.S.

IV. Philosophical objections from groups with political, ideological or religious motives are a constant presence in the public discourse over contraception.

A. Many conservative political office holders and religious leaders connect birth control with the debate over a woman's right to choose.

1. To many of its critics, contraception is both an ethical sin and a slippery slope where abortion rights are concerned.

2. Birth control, contraception and abortion are often linked in legal and Ideological arguments proposed by those on the right side of the aisle.

B. Many conservative law-makers will often exploit deep passions over women's rights issues in order to bring religious voters to the polls.

1. This most recent election saw an emphasis on issues such as the protection of planned parenthood.

2. Particularly in reference to the issue of contraception, many female voters perceived the hostility shown by the Republican party toward effective birth control as an attack on women's rights.

C. Debates over the Affordable Care Act have focused on the desire of some conservatives to cut funding for contraception assistance.

1. This has been one of the thorniest sticking points as President Obama has worked to legislate the ACA.

2. According to IU, with its implementation next year, the ACA would help contraceptive rights by "making preventive care features such as contraception free for women with insurance. This will make the more expensive, longer-acting forms of contraception available to more women

V. As the discussion here above demonstrates, the discussion over birth control is largely a medical and scientific one, moved by the primary goal of improving the effectiveness and availability of birth control. Considerable evidence in these areas suggests that birth control usage has a number of benefits to the public health. However, evidence also suggests that our achievement these public health goals must likely always navigate a quagmire of dissenting views.

Works Cited:

Primary:

Alta Charo, J.D. (2012). Warning: Contraceptive Drugs May Cause Political Headaches. New England Journal of Medicine, 366, 1361-1364.

Neergaard, L. (2012). OB/GYNs Back Over-the-counter Birth Control Pills. Associated Press.

Secondary:

Cell Press. (2012). Finally, the Promise of Male Birth Control in a Pill: Compound Makes Mice Reversibly Infertile. Science Daily.

Colton, F.; Colton, E. & Djerassi, C. (2011). Oral Contraceptive History. About Inventors.

Indiana University (IU). (2011). Not Your Mother's Birth Control, Same Troubles. Science Daily.

MacMillan, a. (2012). Study: IUDs, Implants Vastly More Effective Than the Pill. Health.com.