I've always thought that posting your phone number online is a really bad idea. Putting your digits up publicly is a really way to get creeped on, or to get yourself solicited to at all hours of the day by telemarketers. In case you needed one more reason to keep your number private, textastrophe is that reason.

The creator of the website textastrophe, who remains anonymous, takes numbers off of Craigslist ads and fliers and prank-texts their unwitting owners. He posts screenshots of the resulting hilarious and awkward conversations on the textastrophe blog.

The humor is random, irreverant, and in some cases fairly inappropriate and creepy, but it sure is entertaining to look through the archives. The mystery pranker messes with everyone from pet sitters to professional clowns.

Continue reading "Textastrophe Will Make You Rethink Your Craigslist Ad" »

Posted by Ally Levise at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Being a part of the Myspace generation myself, I'm intimately familiar with what kids these days call, "the selfie." A selfie is a picture that someone takes of him or herself, often on a camera phone, and usually for posting on a social media site like facebook, or originally, Myspace. Taking pictures of oneself in front of a mirror is also commonly referred to as a "Myspace pic."

I may have even been guilty of taking and posting pictures like this of myself, especially in my early college days... and maybe even more recently than that. And the guilt is part of the phenomenon - posters of the "Myspace pic" are often subject to teasing by other social media users, and being poked fun at for being narcissistic. While selfies are sometimes taken by men, women seem to participate in camera phone self-portraiture more frequently. There's also something called a "duck face," which refers to a pouty face made by women while taking a selfie, which is sure to earn social media teasing by facebook friends.

Continue reading "Psychology Today Article Defends The Selfie" »

Posted by Ally Levise at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We've been hearing a lot about North Korea lately - mostly in a military and political sense. But what's up with their telecom industry? You may find some of the news surprising.

North Korea's public is largely prohibited from making international calls, their internet access is strictly censored, and according to some reports, calls and texts are regularly subject to government monitoring. However, the number of cell phone users in North Korea has nearly doubled since 2012, and is currently approaching 2 million users.

There are a few possible reasons for the increase.

First, earlier this year, it was announced that tourists visiting North Korea would have full internet access via their smart phones. The offer of 3G disappeared in March, with some exceptions made for resident foreigners, but it's speculated that excitement generated by the offer at that time encouraged cell phone purchases.

Continue reading "Cell Phone Boom In North Korea" »

Posted by Ally Levise at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Do you think it's possible to have an actual addiction to your cell phone? According to some studies, it's a legitimate behavioral (non-substance) addiction. Psychology Today published a recent article about cell-phone addiction among college students, noting that college-age individuals are among the highest in levels of technology use, and that cell phone addiction is primarily based on an individual's predisposition to impulsive and materialistic tendencies.

The instantaneous nature of text messaging is related to impulsiveness.

The materialistic aspect has to do with the cell phone as a status symbol. For people who have a tendency towards materialism, having a fancy phone conveys to others that they are successful and have disposable income. Psychologically, being constantly on their phone proves to others that they are important people that others desire to be in contact with.

Psychology Today also published an article about how cell phone addiction can cause relationship problems. These issues arise when one partner is constantly on his or her phone, and the other partner feels neglected because of it. Think about the fairly recent AT&T iPhone commercial where the couple are at a romantic dinner and the girlfriend accuses him of sneakily checking the score of some game on his phone. He acts astonished and asks her if she thinks he's some kind of "summoner."

Continue reading "Do You Need Cell Phone Rehab?" »

Posted by Ally Levise at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Folks who have found themselves unemployed during these tough economic times, or otherwise down on their luck, may be able to take advantage of some opportunities to get free or reduced-price cell phones and service.

Assurance Wireless:
Assurance Wireless is a service provided by Virgin Mobile. It's currently available in 39 states to people who qualify for certain government assistance programs or if total income per household meets state requirements (requirements for Assurance Wireless eligibility vary by state). If eligible, the plan includes a free phone, 250 free minutes and 250 free text messages. Assurance Wireless's website claims that users will not be charged any activation fees or have to commit to any type of contract. There are also options to add additional minutes and texting for a small monthly fee. Users must regularly stay in contact with Virgin Mobile to reactivate their eligibility and certain conditions apply. Anyone interested in receiving an assurance wireless phone can fill out an application online or by calling 1-888-898-4888.

ReachOut Wireless:
ReachOut Wireless is provided by Nexus Communications Inc. It may be available to individuals who qualify for government assistance programs or whose household income is at or below 135% of the poverty level of most states. Eligible subscribers will receive a government subsidy in the form of free minutes. They offer both landline plans and cell phone plans, although only one is provided per household. Subscribers are required to re-certify annually. They also offer an affordable pre-paid plan that is unrelated to Lifeline (see information about Lifeline below) For more information, the number for ReachOut Wireless is 1-877-870-9222

Continue reading "Free or Affordable Phones For the Homeless" »

Posted by Ally Levise at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)