This week we will explore birth of the kosher cell phone in Israel. The Kosher cell phone was developed in 2005 in response to the Ultra Orthodox community cry for phone technology that provide essential mobile services minus the problematic functions that might allow users access to questionable moral influences. Kosher cell phones have been stripped of video, web & sms access that might expose users to harmful content. They also bear a kosher symbol, indicating the devices are approved for use by a number of rabbis in their community. Besides the assigned reading, if you are interested in finding out more check out these recent articles: Kosher phone line to be launched, Partner to provide kosher cell phones and Israel's 'kosher' cell phone testing appetite for growth
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The Kosher Cell Phone
This week we will explore birth of the kosher cell phone in Israel. The Kosher cell phone was developed in 2005 in response to the Ultra Orthodox community cry for phone technology that provide essential mobile services minus the problematic functions that might allow users access to questionable moral influences. Kosher cell phones have been stripped of video, web & sms access that might expose users to harmful content. They also bear a kosher symbol, indicating the devices are approved for use by a number of rabbis in their community. Besides the assigned reading, if you are interested in finding out more check out these recent articles: Kosher phone line to be launched, Partner to provide kosher cell phones and Israel's 'kosher' cell phone testing appetite for growth
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We discussed how the Ultra Orthodox community is very close-knit. This is seen through them all living in a close community where they can combine their family and their religion. If technology were to come in, in the form of cell phones that have internet and access to all information, this could possible skew their perception of their orthodox beliefs.
This case study reveals that they were able to reconstruct the use of the cell phone to cater to their own needs and beliefs. This is seen through the Jewish community taking out the internet function for instance. This helps to keep the morality of their religion.
In all aspects of media, such as TV, they utilize the technology in a way that preserves their ideology and keeps them away from corruption. However, in the case of the TV, it’s harder for them to adapt to their own needs whereas with the cell phone, they were able to cater completely to their needs. Also, cell phones enhance a sense of community whereas TV is a one-way source of information that doesn’t enhance the Jewish community.
We also discussed how the Jewish community negotiated the cell phone through large companies. They appealed to the companies by proposing a great profit for these companies. They also appealed to their morality as well. It was a “win-win” situation for the Jewish community and the companies. The Jewish were able to enhance their community through a reconstructed communication and the phone companies received a profit.
Group 1
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