How a ‘yam’ phone reminded me of progress

It all began with a moment of frustration. My Samsung A13, the device I relied on for everything from work to staying connected with loved ones, suddenly stopped working. Instantly, my world seemed to come to a standstill. Everything I had come to depend on, such as quick access to information, seamless communication, and the convenience of modern apps, was suddenly out of reach.

It felt as though my entire routine had been thrown into disarray. With no immediate solution, I had to turn to an old, forgotten device that had been tucked away in a drawer, the “yam phone.”  Unlike my previous phone with its sleek touchscreen, this basic model had a tiny monochrome screen and large hard-to-press buttons.

As I tried to navigate its outdated interface, I quickly realized all the things I could no longer do. There was no internet, social media, camera, or GPS. Sending a simple text took multiple steps, and making a call required more patience than I remembered. Tasks that had once taken seconds to complete now stretched into minutes, and I was left feeling disconnected in a way I had not anticipated.

The only solace this “yam phone” provided was the chance to play the beloved game of Snake to entertain me during my idle moments. What annoys me most, however, is the radio on the “Yam Phone,” which automatically turns on whenever I mistakenly press the top right key, adding to the frustration of using this outdated device.

As the days went by, my frustration began to turn into reflection. This “yam phone” took me back to a time when I first held a mobile phone in my hands, the iconic Nokia 3310. As I struggled with the limitations of the “yam phone,” I could not help but marvel at how far we have come since those early days.

The pre-mobile age

Before mobile phones in Ghana, communication was slow and limited, relying mainly on landlines, postal services, telegrams, and the gong-gong beater for those in rural areas. Landline phones were scarce and mainly found in urban regions, while letters took days or weeks to arrive.

Telegrams, though faster, were expensive and only accessible in towns. In rural communities, the gong-gong beater played a critical role, walking through villages to announce important news or call people to meetings. Word of mouth and messengers were also used but often caused delays. Radio became a vital mass communication tool, and face-to-face interactions remained the most reliable way to stay connected.

The advent of mobile phones

The advent of mobile phones in Ghana began in the late 1990s, with telecommunication companies introducing mobile networks that promised modern communication. The term “mobile” signifies the portability and wireless capability of these devices, which can be used anywhere marking a shift from fixed landline communication to versatile, on-the-go gadgets.

During this time, popular phones like the Nokia 3310 dominated the market, offering a revolutionary upgrade by allowing users to make calls and send text messages, significantly enhancing connectivity compared to traditional landlines and postal services.

The transition of smart phones

The advent of smartphones in early 2010 brought transformative changes by consolidating numerous functions into one device, such as cameras, GPS, and virtual assistants, streamlining daily tasks and adding convenience. The term “smart” reflects the device’s advanced technology and capabilities, including internet access, a variety of apps, high processing power, and interactive features.

This makes smartphones more versatile and functional compared to earlier mobile phones. With smartphones, you can make calls, send texts, browse the internet, take high-quality photos, use GPS, and engage in social media with your phone. Apps like Uber simplified ride-booking, while shopping apps like Amazon and Jumia made online shopping convenient. Video conferencing has been revolutionized by apps like Zoom.

These advancements allow us to access information swiftly, stay globally connected, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously without wasting time. Overall, smartphones have significantly enhanced how we live, work, and interact, highlighting the remarkable technological progress we’ve experienced.

The power of smartphones: a double-edged sword

Smartphones are a double-edged sword, offering significant benefits alongside notable challenges. On the positive side, they enhance connectivity, allowing instant communication through calls, texts, and social media, which helps maintain relationships across distances.

They provide immediate access to a vast array of information, enabling users to learn and stay informed easily. However, smartphones also present challenges. Over-reliance on them can lead to distractions and diminished focus, as constant notifications can interrupt daily activities. Privacy and security risks are significant concerns, with the potential for data breaches and cyber-attacks to compromise personal information.

The cost of mobile data makes it difficult to stay connected. Additionally, excessive smartphone use can impact real-world interactions, leading to reduced face-to-face engagement and affecting personal relationships. The constant exposure to social media and digital content can also contribute to mental health issues, such as stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

As we navigate this digital age, it is essential to appreciate both the advancements and the complexities that come with our increasingly connected lives. Reflecting on the evolution from the “yam phone” to today’s smartphones reminds us of the extraordinary strides we have made.

As I look forward to the future, I am filled with excitement for what is to come. If the leap from the Nokia 3310 to the iPhone has been this profound, I can only imagine what the next chapter in this technological revolution will bring. Whatever it is, I am ready to embrace it, knowing that each step forward brings with it new opportunities, new challenges, and new ways to connect with the world around us.

The writer is a Lawyer at Ghartey and Ghartey. Her areas of Interest are Information Technology Law, Family Law, and Human Rights Law.