t also became a tool used by Mike to feel more relaxed and at ease with himself. The use of the cell phone allowed Mike to feel that he may play the role of the social coordinator, and thus provided him with a sense of control over others. This sense is one that Mike desired extremely, because he felt worried and at a loss of control when pondering his relationship with Carrie. Thus, in this case, the cell phone allowed Mike to communicate therapeutically; Mike became dependent on the cell phone in order to gain a sense of control and release from his inner feelings of frustration and worry.In addition to the cell phones role as a mode of interpersonal communication through the use of language, the cell phone also allows people to communicate with others without the use of direct speech. When Carrie arrived and came off the plane, I noticed that Mike, after making his greetings, once again took out his cell phone. Mike made various calls to several girls, claiming that he needed to let them know that his plans with them for the night were cancelled due to Carries arrival in town. I realized that Mike obviously could have broken off those plans before hand and did not need to make the phone calls right then at the airport. However, Mike was attempting to communicate to Carrie that he is well liked and a popular guy that can get many girls. Mike, unable to flirt on his own, utilized his cell phone conversations as a tool for flirting. Carrie responded, and made a comment that seemed to express jealousy of the girl on the other end of the line, as well as an attraction towards Mike. Thus, the cell phone may successfully replace the verbal communication between two people, primarily when it is difficult for people to flirt and express themselves through words. Although Mike exhibited an attitude of self-confidence and relayed a feeling of importance to Carrie, his dependency on the cell phone to aid in flirting and expressing his...
