The impact of smartphones on interpersonal communication

　　How ironic the cartoon is in describing one of the most widespread social phenomena concerning a gathering of friends in smartphone age. Everyone looks at their phones, instead of chatting with each other. One of them even wears her earphone, having no intention to talk to others.

　　The meaning conveyed in the cartoon is that the impacts of smartphones on interpersonal communication are thought-provoking. On the one hand, in current China youngsters can spend hours chatting with foreigners, parents, acquaintances, or even strangers on QQ, Weibo and sharing their feelings with friends on moments increasingly from smartphones. The interpersonal communication seems to be not restricted by time, space or age gap. On the other hand, they tend to lose face-to-face communication skills. They get together, lacking of concern and attention to people around them, being obsessed with checking their smartphone. As a result, the original purpose of holding a party to enhance the friendship is completely gone. If this trend continues, the interpersonal relationship will, definitely, become alienated or indifferent.

　　Accordingly, it is necessary for us to use smartphone in a reasonable way and restrain from overindulgence. After all, smartphones are invented to keep in touch, to connect you and me, and to strengthen our relationship.