The cost of smartphones entailed by communication professionals: analysis of the social, working and personal consequences

Mobile devices have been incorporated into the daily routine of communication professionals, integrating private and work life. From the perspective of media education, the assessment that professionals make of the training needs in media skills and the implications of using the smartphone is analyzedin their professional activity. A reflection on the inherent cost of using these devices and its consequences for society as a whole is proposed. The study is carried out through a survey of 305 professionals in communication, advertising, institutional communication and audiovisual creation. The results show the priority need to train the entire group in media competencies, rather than the public. The priority training areas are not located in technical aspects of the media, but in ethical, deontological and risk prevention issues. The assessment of the consequences derived from its use is articulated around three levels: the professional, the commercial and the long-term effects on society and culture.