In "New Tech, New Ties," scholar Rich Ling explores "the social effects of the mobile telephone and ends up finding more to praise than to blame," writes Christine Rosen in a Wall Street Journal book review (4/21/08). Rich's central question about the mobile phone is this: "Does it contribute to our sense of social cohesion ... or does it detract from it?" Drawing "on the work of Emile Durkheim, Erving Goffman and other eminent sociologists," Rich says: "The balance seems to be tipping ... in the direction of mobile communication's supporting the development of cohesion in small groups."

Rich sees this balance as a 21st century manifestation of Durkheim's view "that everyday rituals help to hold society together," and Goffman's observation "that even seemingly mundane acts -- shaking hands or nodding to passersby on the street -- have social meaning, signaling membership in a group, for instance, or implying trustworthiness." In some ways Christine Rosen agrees, noting that text messaging and "I've arrived!" calls from airports and train stations "clearly bring people together, metaphorically as well as literally." But she thinks this has its limits, specifically when the ritual is carried out in public spaces, within easy earshot of others.

She also criticizes Rich for not fully addressing the "mass incivility" created by such intrusions. And she thinks Rich gets it wrong by accepting those who sometimes give priority to their mobile phone versus face to face conversations. Rich gives the example of greeting a plumber at his door who is too engrossed in his cellphone conversation to say hello to him. Rich thought it was okay because he was "just another job" and that he "was put into (his) proper place." However, Christine recalls Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," where Mr. Collins "is most pleased when his patron ... reminds him of his lowly place," and concludes: "Some of us would prefer to keep our pride -- and civility too." ~ Tim Manners, editor