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It can be seen all over campus - students hanging on to their cell phones like babies with pacifiers.
On their way to and from class students are text messaging, checking their voice mail or dialing a friend.
Among the negative effects that this student-cell phone relationship can have is the absence of face-to-face interaction, said Brian Oppy, psychology department chair.
This can be seen on campus as students walk out of class and immediately reach for their cell phones, he said.
"They don't meet that new person walking out of class," he said.
But even though people are missing out on these interactions, they are still connected with the people that they care about most, Oppy said.
Cell phones have become the main tool for social networking, and people feel in control of their current situation when they have them, he said.
Keeping a cell phone close not only helps people stay in control of their current situation, it makes them feel comfortable in any setting.
Sophomore Julia Marchionna admits that she always has to have her phone in hand.
"I definitely always take my cell phone wherever I go," Marchionna said. "I guess it's out of comfort."
Although comfort and control are reasons why students reach for their cell phones, there is a bigger reason why students opt to chat, Oppy said.
"It's in our nature to want to socialize," he said.
Human beings are naturally social people, he said. So when they know that they can have that contact with someone, they will jump on the opportunity.
Chatting on a cell phone and talking to someone in person both offer a chance to socialize, Oppy said. But despite its popularity, text messaging has proven to be a very passive way to communicate.
"Multiple studies have been done on the relation between cell phones and social skills," Oppy said. "And those who text and e-mail are said to have a lower level of social skills."
The reasons students choose to text instead of chat vary. Whether it's done out of convenience or to avoid talking to someone, it seems to be the preferred way to communicate.
"Sometimes you just don't want to talk to the person, and it's easier to text," Marchionna said.
Text messaging is also appealing to students because it's more convenient than making a phone call.
"Usually I text because it's quicker," freshman Dylan Tonti said.
Whether it's text messaging, talking or searching the net, cell phones have an effect on people's social skills and relationships because, one way or another, they are missing out on a form of socializing, Oppy said.
It all comes back to people being able to control their situations and choose whom to talk to, he said.
When it comes to choosing one type of socializing over another, some people play it safe.
"It's just easier to get on your phone and talk to someone you know," Marchionna said. "Instead of striking up a conversation with a complete stranger."
Ashley Marshall can be reached at amarshall@theorion.com
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