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modern technologies, today’s teens socialize in very

different ways than teens did in the past. Psychology
professor Jean Twenge reported, “The number of teens

who get together with their friends nearly every day

dropped by more than 40 percent from 2000 to 2015.”
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Smartphones may have played a role in this change.
This shift happened as smartphones became more

widely popular.

Research has shown that face-to-face relationships

typically last longer and are more fulfilling and valuable than

online relationships. In an in-person conversation, people

can observe nonverbal cues such as eye contact and

THE SIMON PERSONAL
COMMUNICATOR

The computer and technology company International Business
Machines (IBM) developed the first cell phone with smart
capabilities in 1992. IBM called the device the Simon Personal
Communicator. The Simon was offered for sale to the public in
1994. This device functioned as a cell phone with some added
features. It had a touchscreen. Its features included an address
book, a calendar, a clock, and a scheduler for appointments.
The Simon did not have a web browser to surf the internet, but
it could send and receive emails and faxes. This email access
made the Simon appealing to buyers. Buyers did not call the
Simon a “smartphone.” This term would not be used until 1995.
The Simon would be considered large and clunky by
today’s standards. It was 8 inches (20 cm) long, 2.5 inches
(6.4 cm) wide, and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) thick. Its battery only
lasted about one hour, which was a drawback for users.
The Simon only stayed on the market for about six months.

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