Cellular Phones, Public Fears, and a Culture of Precaution [Hardcover]

The first account of the health panic surrounding cellular phones that developed in the 1990s.This book is the first account of the health panic surrounding cellular phones that developed in the mid 1990s. Explaining that these health anxieties have little substantial basis, the book looks at who began the story and how and why it became so prominent in some societies but not in others. The book also outlines a history and sociology of the cell phone, and makes comparisons to popular reactions to other technologies, such as x-rays and radar.This book is the first account of the health panic surrounding cellular phones that developed in the mid 1990s. Explaining that these health anxieties have little substantial basis, the book looks at who began the story and how and why it became so prominent in some societies but not in others. The book also outlines a history and sociology of the cell phone, and makes comparisons to popular reactions to other technologies, such as x-rays and radar.Adam Burgess' study is the first account of the health panic surrounding cellular phones that developed in the mid 1990s. Explaining that the related health anxieties had little substantial basis, Burgess traces the origins of the panic and how and why it grew so significantly in some societies, but not in others. The book also outlines a history and sociology of the cell phone, and compares popular reactions to other technologies, such as x-rays and radar.1. Introductory chapter: themes, influences; phones and risk; 2. The mobile 'revolution'; 3. Mobile discontents and the origins of microwave fears; 4. Radiating uncertainty; 5. Diffusing anxiety: international dissemination and national responses to mobile fears; 6. The culture of precaution; 7. Problems of precaution and responsibility. A masterful treatment of an important but very neglected subject. New Media & Society