Title: The Dependence of Grade 9 Students of Dominican School Manila on Mobile

Devices for
Academic Interpersonal Skills

This research was based on the study by Hans Geser (2004) in Towards a
Sociological Theory of the Mobile Phone, it is stated that instead of just
functioning as a substitute for face-to-facerelationships, mobile phones factually
enlarges the social network of individuals by adding communication that
otherwise would not occur (Cox/Leonard 1990). It states that mobile phones
caneasily take away the gazes of bystanders and keep them from eavesdropping.
Another part of the study states "While concentrating on the conversation, they
avoid eye contact with other pedestrians. Another typical example of body
language in the three cities is the characteristic walk of mobile phone users in
public places. They stand and then walk slowly in circles or they pace a
short distance back and forth."(Lasen 2002b: 22) and "Look away, avoid eye contact
with the phone user and pretend not to listen, even when the user asks
themsomething related to the phone conversation"(Lasen 2002b: 23). If we consider
this behavior to be normal, to avoid listening and talking to people when
they are using their phones, what happens if they continue being dependent on that
behavior while enganging in serious conversations akin to school? The
habit of ignoring or looking away can not only deeply affect the social skills of
an individual but also alters the way they can comprehend and acknowledge
lessons or teachings at school.