In order for us to relate well with this subject, it is important to acknowledge both the historical journey and the significance of cell phones in our generation. It is indeed one of the greatest innovations made and one that this current generation cannot fathom doing without.
Cell phone industry is indeed one of the most developed sector in the modern world considering the fact that, cell phones are currently in use in almost all parts of the world (King, 2002). Today, the device has found significant use in the business sector among other sectors of life.
Cell phone is a device that has continued to be a source of fascination for many, as great technological strides in changes, modifications and improvement continue to be made on it and what we have currently can only be termed as a phenomenon. Historical and technological progress of the cell phone dates back to the Second World War, when Reginald Fessenden invented the radio telephony to aid communication within the military camp.
According to Li (2010), new ideas for organizing and improving upcoming technology are what matters most for any innovation. During the 1940s, improvements were made to this invention which saw the creation of hand held communication devices.
Up till the early 1970’s, the invented cell phones could only be installed and used in vehicles but after that period, portable cell phones that were not limited to be used only in the vehicles were invented though they had a fair share of limitations. For instance, they were big, bulky and could not support multiple conversations. They consumed a lot of power and could not support nor allow automatic voice and data features, as is the case with modern devices and only the wealthy could afford to buy them.
The history of cell phones is usually categorized into first, second, third, fourth and so on generations, in tracking and marking technological improvement s and changes in the industry.
As with any other invention, the cell phone industry has seen the rise of diverse range of products in the market which is becoming extremely competitive with each company coming up with impressive advertising campaigns to woo consumers (Boland, 2007).
These products, which are produced by different companies range from cell phones, iPhones, iPads, Blackberry, phone batteries, memory cards, Bluetooth, antennas, phone holders, faceplates, repair parts, phone straps, LCD’s, data cables, snap-on covers, leather cases, travel and car chargers, hands frees, holsters, silicone skins, stylus, car kits and such.
There is also the rising concern of fakes and substandard cell phone products in the market. To address this, the Telecom Regulatory Authority in partnership with UAE Telecoms intends to cut off services to duplicate and fake handsets from 1st January, 2012.
According to Klemens (2010), the cell phone industry is rapidly growing and thus, creating massive demand for this product. This has resulted to a lot of pressure for the product manufacturers and dealers, as they work hard to re-invent and modify their products with the objective of impressing their consumers and outdoing each other in the market.
Since the cell phone industry is not a monopoly market, many players have joined in the production, distribution and selling. However, this requires massive investments and thus once one is in it, it is not easy to switch to other investments for the risks are higher and because on the other hand, the demand for this product provides stability.
References
Boland, P. (2007). The emerging role of cell phone technology in ambulatory care. The Journal of ambulatory care management, 30 (2), 126.
King, J.L. and West, J. (2002). Ma Bell’s orphan: US cellular telephony, 1947-1996. Telecommunications Policy, 26 (3-4), 189-203.
Klemens, G. (2010). The cell phone: the history and technology of the gadget that changed the world. New York: McFarland & Company.
Li, Y.B. (2009). How the cell phone became the most important interactive communication medium in today’s China. Technology in Society, 31 (1), 53-55.
Environmental sustainability has been receiving corporate attention in the 21st century. Various industries have been employing different measures on how to ensure environmental safety. The cell phone industry has also entered into this noble initiative in a broad dimension.
A polluted environment affects all the stakeholders including customers, suppliers, employees and the entire public. Therefore, firms should adhere to waste management practices in order to make good use of the by-products thereby enhancing environmental conservation techniques.
The cell phone industry makes products that are friendly to the environment and develops mobile applications that can help in enhancing environmental sustainability. These innovative products also help in keeping the environment clean.
Innovations in the Cell Phone Industry and Sustainability
Environmental sustainability entails making drastic decisions and actions towards protecting the environment. This initiative ensures that the environment is preserved thereby being able to support human life.
Currently, this issue has been among the world’s top agendas, from multinational companies to individual levels and from different government departments to media houses. Organizations are instituting measures that will have less negative effects on the environment than before.
Since all businesses have to use energy and release waste products, environmental sustainability tries to make these businesses engage in activities that make them sustainable in the present environs (Is Your Cell Phone Sustainable? 2011).
In a recent survey on companies’ thinking on climate change, McKinsey and Company (2008) found that the greatest percentage of executives surveyed consider climate change strategically significant, and about 60% take it into account in developing and marketing new products.
The cell phone industry has not only been at the fore front in implementing some strategies that will enable them survive in the present atmosphere but also come up with innovative products that can assist in ensuring environmental sustainability.
For instance, cell phone industries have tried to shrink their environmental footprints by manufacturing smaller and lighter cell phones (Technology & Environmental Sustainability Initiatives n.d.).
Smaller gadgets imply the use of less energy in transportation, recycling and reuse, less raw materials extracted and less shipping spaces. Currently, mobile phone manuals are distributed electronically thus reducing paper usage, which are always obtained from trees.
From this perspective, cell phone industries are using innovation to promote a greener ecosystem. In addition, cell phone industries have made solar powered phones. This innovative idea is reducing overreliance on non-renewable sources of energy like electricity.
Apart from the solar powered phones, most of the companies have designed energy efficient mobile phones; these phones take a long time before recharging thus saving money and minimizing gas emissions. This efficiency is seen in the way Nokia has reduced the amount of no-load energy by close to 90%.
In 2007, Nokia sent alert into phones in alerting the public to unplug their chargers while, not in use. Nokia boasts of creating all their devices with an environmental mind. An example is the Nokia Lumia 820 (Apps & services – Nokia 2013). It has an in-device user guide, packed in a small box made of renewable materials.
However, a small printed guide with highlighted usage tips is on Green page while full information is available on nokia.com (Sustainable mobile products 2013).
This phone has maps that help in locating directions for pedestrians and travellers; this innovative idea reduces overreliance on papers. The materials are all recyclable and are free from harmful metals like nickel and mercury.
Apple Company has powered all its facilities using renewable sources of energy. This initiative lessens carbon foot print, thereby raising the hopes of approaching a green ecosystem.
To add to that, Apple introduced iPhone 3G ships that had PVC free USB cables, headphones and a free display mercury-arsenic (Apple – Apple and the Environment 2013).
A continuous study into the environmental status report of the phone shows that it has a recyclable aluminium enclosure and an efficient power adapter that outperforms strictest global energy. These were in line with the ENERGY STAR requirement. Clearly, these features reduce environmental impact.
Even though a mobile phone is a small electronic gadget that causes a negligible impact to environmental degradation, a total number of 1.6 billion phones that were sold in 2011 cause a significant effect on the quantity of waste per unit. Therefore, this calls for measures on how to minimize waste in the environment.
The cell phone industries like Nokia, Motorola, AT & T have adopted the initiative of ensuring that they use non-plastic inserts and trays by the end of 2013 (Sustainable Mobile Phone n.d.). These packages such as the phone casing are to be made from less pollutant objects.
The organic chemicals that were to be used in making batteries were to be less volatile in order to minimize pollutions.
In addition, the cell phone industry has opted to recycle their products like battery contents and the casings which are environmentally friendly. In designing sustainable products, firms aim at yielding improvement in the environment and increased revenue, as well.
Smart phones are made in a way that one is able to communicate with a large group of people at a time; they have cameras and USB cables for transfer of data. Some of its applications that have proved useful to environmental activist are discussed below.
The first one is the Visibility App that measures the quality of air. One can use an Android Phone to take a picture of the atmosphere and transmits it to a centralized server to interpret, compare and generate the data (Ganguly 2012). Afterwards, the mobile operator receives a notification that indicates the extent of pollution.
This app was the work of the University of South Carolina’s Robotic lab. The next application is the Leaf View Project. This app helps in discovering new species of plants and animals in a crowded environment. After identification, one has to compare it with the central database.
Moreover, one can study the consequences of global warming on these species. Since global warming and climate change leads to species extinction; this app will assist in keeping these species within an environment hence helping to approach towards a greener ecosystem.
Goods Guide and 3rd Whale are the other applications. They promote a greener and sustainable environment by scanning of sustainable products and businesses in the locality and with the assistance of the GiftRocket application; one can purchase products through phone.
The 3rd Whale app uses a GPRS system to locate the businesses and products. There is also the VerdeEnergy and EnergySaver application in the smart phones. These apps help in tracking energy consumption and planning for efficient utilization of energy in homesteads.
A controlled energy usage enhances the cleanliness of an environment. The fifth app is the EcoSpeed and GreenMeter; they are used in tracking a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and daily movements. Of much interest is that EcoSpeed app can identify routes that consume less fuel than other routes.
Clearly, the apps help to minimize environmental pollution that could have resulted due to excess use of fuel. There is also the Bar code technology that can be used to control illegal felling of trees (Ganguly 2012).
In this technology, trees are assigned codes that are fed in the central database. Helveta Company is applying this technology to Forest cutters such that trees that are brought at the company without bar codes are deemed illegal. These smart phone applications, undoubtedly, assist in achieving environmental sustainability.
The giant cell phone industry Samsung developed Eco-Design Assessment system in 2004. This assessment technique was to ensure that all Samsung’s products complied with the global environmental regulations (Eco-Design 2013). In 2009, eco-rating system came in force.
In terms of product development there is the Samsung Galaxy Note II; in this smart phone, one can create, edit and store documents.
Using the S Pen, one can write and store data; therefore, this technology minimizes the use of papers, wooden pencils and plastic pens. Notably, elimination of these writing materials will help create sustainable and greener ecosystems.
The short life span of smart phones is a key challenge to the cell phone industries (Mobile Phones n.d.). This shows that consumers dispose a high number of these products annually thus resulting to immense environmental degradation.
These phones have a sizeable amount of minerals like gold and copper, toxic metals like mercury and lead in sizeable amounts. Since a high number of smart phones are disposed within a short time, the small amount of toxic metals multiply thus causing underground water and air pollution.
Additionally, cell phone industries face an uphill task of eliminating electromagnetic radiations that mobile phones emit to the environment. Specifically, mobile phones use microwave which is harmful to human health.
Some researchers had shown the relationship between biological effects and exposure to mobile phones. The WHO in 2011 also noted that use of mobile phones can cause health risks. Recently, some researchers found out that cell phones can affect the brain and salivary gland tumours.
These observations pose immense challenges to the cell phone industries in introducing their products in the market. In addition, another research showed that heavy mobile phone users are over 40% prone to contracting brain cancer (Mobile Phones n.d.).
Even though there are still uncertainties on these observations, consumers remain alert on the possible consequences of using large phones like the smart phones. Further, the manufacture and replacement of integrated circuits are the main cause of electronic waste.
Cell phone industries will have to institute mass education on the health risks of using mobile phones, since there is still no concrete evidence to prove the claimed effects. This initiative will be a costly one, but it will help in altering the perceptions of the public towards purchasing new mobile phones.
For instance, iPhones have wide surface area; one can assume that it has more radioactive emission thereby avoiding them. Additionally, these industries ought to carry out numerous researches in order to manufacture greener mobile phones (Johnstone 2013).)
Therefore, the mobile devices should have minimal heath risks, long lifespan, be recyclable at the end of life and perform efficiently.
App developers are constantly coming up with new apps that are useful as they aid the current activities. These apps are developed in the new sustainable products so that they continue serving their purpose. The cell phone industries should understand the nature of their markets when manufacturing their products.
For instance, they should make the applications look easy to understand so that all customers can buy and find it easy to use. Samsung should carry out more sale promotions on different media about their Galaxy cell phones than before.
The same should apply to the Apple Company in advertising their iPhones. Since environmentally friendly products have adverse favourable effects to the environment, these companies should clearly outline the overall benefits of their products to the customers (Mobile phone industry takes baby steps toward sustainability 2009).
Markedly, the companies should have a strategy or forecast on how to serve different customers who cannot afford some phones of high prices.
The cell phone industry has adopted environmentally friendly approaches that if all industries can replicate, then the environment will remain sustainable for all.
From their energy conservation measures like Apple’s use of renewable source of energy to development of environmentally-friendly batteries that use less energy in the long run, they are working towards a sustainable environment.
The industry has also adopted phone recycling mechanisms and targets educating their consumers on these measures. Through innovation, the firms have made tremendous steps towards approaching a greener ecosystem.
This is evident from the entire essay. However, the cell phone companies have to develop greener mobile phones with applications which will help in enhancing environmental sustainability.
Ganguly, A. 2012. Save the Environment Using Cell Phones. Sustainable-Sphere. Web.
Is Your Cell Phone Sustainable? 2011. Sustainable Business, Green Business, Renewable Energy, Organic & Green Investing, Green Capital. Web.
Johnstone, A. 2013. Mobile Phones and Environmental Sustainability. Adam M. Johnston, B.A. | Freelance Writer on Renewable Energy, Technology, Globalization, Soccer, and Video Games. Web.
Mobile Phones n.d., UL Environment. Web.
Mobile phone industry takes baby steps toward sustainability 2009. English | Radio Netherlands Worldwide. Web.
Sustainable Mobile Phone n.d., Lowell Center for Sustainable Production. Web.
Sustainable mobile products 2013. Cell Phones and Smartphones – Nokia – USA. Web.
Technology & Environmental Sustainability Initiatives n.d., AT&T Cell Phones, U- verse, Digital TV, DSL Internet, and Phone Service. Web.
Life can be a tremendously overwhelming process depending on an individual’s direct surroundings. Challenges expert licensed require an inspiration factor particularly when an individual is away from home and relatives for some time.
Keeping contact with friends and kin is valuable in life to keep updated on what is occurring within the social order. There are several things in life we practically cannot live without which have proven to be of considerable help.
The cell phone has always been my most central companion and can be immensely categorized as the most noteworthy object in my existence.
This device has enabled me to keep up with friends and family and meet with new people who have contributed to my development and maturity in the current world characterized by inventions and socialization.
The portability attribute gives this device its splendor. The electronic machine is commonly found in all areas in the world hence easing the process of communication. It has brought a variety of innovative things for the user and to a substantial extent affected the way people relate in the globe.
I have used it for both private and specialized purposes in my occupation as a nurse. The cell phone is a vital way of communicating with superiors and colleagues while on the ground thus forestalling critical situations.
The phone enables the access of technologies like the camera and the related modifications. These have been helpful in several situations in my life. An example is a situation while at work when I had to deal with a tragedy involving a snake bite.
It was a life-threatening situation which involved identifying the snake to take the appropriate first-aid procedures. Through my know-how, I could make out the snake, but it had a particularly different shade of color which I could not relate to.
In nursing, there is room for risk-taking, so I had to be particularly certain on practical action to save the life of the combatant.
Luckily I remembered just in time that my phone had an inbuilt camera. I quickly photographed the snake and uploaded the image to a snake specialist who readily identified the species and advised us on how to deal with the situation.
Apart from the camera, there are several other features which increase the importance of this gadget. The latest phone offers superb quality music which is necessary for leisure purposes.
As a nurse, I was exposed to many situations while assisting navy personnel who are frequently faced with crises. Their controlling character personality constantly made the work look harder than it was; hence once in a while, I would listen to tunes from my phone to relax.
In today’s busy society, having a portable device to communicate through is expedient. Whether it is sending messages through the Internet or getting updated on the latest news, my cell phone has ensured that I am aware of the latest happenings.
Having reachable Internet is indispensable especially to a student who is required to do research. A feature like an alarm clock has enabled me to keep time for appointments and lectures.
The need for carrying several electronic devices like cameras, recorders, and melody players has been considerably reduced. An ultra-modern handset is presently equipped with all the features thus reducing the stress associated with carrying several types of equipment.
The technical progress has been of immense use in storing files in the form of text applications on the phone. Most of these features have eliminated carrying of bulky books and laptops in class especially when the cell phone has a memory of 10 GB.
One of the desired applications of the cell phone is the ease of handling transactions. The risk of walking around with money amidst widespread mugging is reduced by the phone’s ability to administer on-spot transactions.
Electronic transfers involved in paying education fees are easy to perform compared to the long lines experienced in banking. Surveys indicate that students of a different kind use the cell phone frequently compared with other citizens.
As a student, its use is indispensable as evident in scholarly responsibilities. With lighter and more complicated versions being invented, it has continued to gain popularity among students.
My phone has a tracking contrivance through which it can be traced when lost, and can locate exactly where an individual is through GPRS, helping others tell my exact location.
Anything which is dominant transforms the social order; the cell phone has dwarfed the impact of other inventions like the TV. Everybody will find this device to be necessary for routine processes.
My mobile phone is a gadget which has profoundly influenced my daily activities; however, the cell phone has its disadvantages.
Privacy is not guaranteed as anybody can determine my location without my will; furthermore, its injurious health effects may discourage an individual from owning a handset.
In this world of constantly advancing expertise and competition, I foresee more features being added to this object and greater technology to reduce its health effects. Its benefits are more than the disadvantages in several aspects. This object remains vital to my livelihood.
Technological development changes the way people do things. From written letters to electronic mails, physical libraries to digital databases, and tape recorders to iPods, technological evolution is feasible and influences people’s interaction with the world. The advancement in development encourages the merging of various technological forms, such as audio, video and photographic systems, onto other devices.
Cellphone camera technology and amateur film photography are both used for visual documentation of real life events. In amateur photography, pictures are captured when photographic film is exposed to light (Wade and Finger 1158).
Films, which have been used for more than two centuries, are created by chemically mixing emulsified materials on light-sensitive flexible substrates (Rogers 15). When a film is exposed to light, a similar image of the scene is produced on the material’s chemical coating. Amateur cameras have been produced for various film categories, such as Advantix, 35mm, and 8×10.
Cellphone cameras, on the other hand, are digital cameras attached to cellular phones. The earliest cellphone camera was produced in 2000 by Samsung. The camera was attached to a 1.5 inch screen and could capture and store 20 pictures, which could be accessed by connecting the camera to a computer system.
The cellphone and the camera mechanisms were basically different devices mounted on the same frame. Technological development has improved the functionality of cellphone and most of them having the ability to capture, edit, and connect directly with printers.
This paper discusses the similarities and differences between cellular phone photography and amateur film photography. An analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the two forms of photography concludes the paper. The paper is important because of the growing popularity of cellphone photography.
Similarities
Although cellphone cameras and amateur film cameras exist in different technological time spaces, there are some similarities in the devices. This part of the paper describes the similarities in the technologies in terms of memory, use of exposure light, and socio-cultural effect of both devices.
Light Exposure
An important similarity between cellphone camera technology and amateur film cameras is that they use light exposure during image capture. While light exposure in the cellphone camera occurs on the camera sensor, it occurs on films in amateur camera. Light exposure is a significant aspect of photography technology and is influenced by four elements, namely aperture, light, sensitivity and shutter speed (Setzler 2).
The most significant element of exposure is light. The scene brightness during photography determines the clarity of the pictures because light creates shades, stresses textures, highlights colors, produces emotions, and enables photographic effects. The aperture controls the quantity of light that enters the lens. Cellphone and film cameras have apertures that regulate the quantity of light passing to the sensor and film, respectively.
Shutter-speed is another important element of light exposure determined by the time taken for the shutter to open and shut to enable light reach the film or sensor (Setzler 2). The shutter functions alongside the aperture to ensure adequate light exposure (Setzler 3).
Finally, sensitivity is the element of exposure that determines the clarity or level of detail characteristic to the image produced on the sensor or film. The mentioned constituents are present in cellphone and film photography and contribute to the production of photographs.
Socio-Cultural Significance of Cellphone and Film Camera
An important similarity between cellphone and film cameras is that both are used to capture significant historic social and cultural events. For example, the documentation of John F. Kennedy’s assassination through a film camera remains historically significant and played an important role in the police investigation. Kennedy’s assassination was captured on a newfangled 8mm amateur film camera by Abraham Zapruder.
Abraham Zapruder’s video clip eventually shaped the consequent investigation and controversy surrounding the president’s assassination. Although Zapruder’s video clip was not the only documentation of the scene, it became the primary evidence used to investigate the intricacies of Kennedy’s death. The results of the film analysis showed that Lee Harvey Oswald was the sole perpetrator of Kennedy’s assassination (Vagnes 4).
Cellphone cameras have become the most popular way of amateur photography (Gye 278). The ubiquity of these devices has simplified video and picture documentation and contributed to the generation to social and cultural media data. Evidence from cellphone cameras has caused social reaction and outrage in all parts of the world. One aspect of social irresponsibility captured by cellphone footages is police brutality.
For example, the police brutalization of an unarmed 43 year-old man in New York captured on a cellphone camera sparked social outrage in America and some parts of the world. Garner, an unarmed citizen of America, quarreled with law-enforcement agents because he felt targeted (Sanburn 1). One of the officers used a chokehold, currently barred by the NYPD, to quell Garner while other policemen forced him to the floor.
The video clip produced by Orta on his cellphone turned the fatal event from a provincial disaster into a nationwide deliberation over police brutality. In the video clip, one of the law enforcement agents is seen forcing Garner’s face to the pavement while other policemen try to restrain him to the floor. The video clip showed Garner repetitively shouting that he could not breathe (Sanburn 1).
Orta’s clip became popular through weblogs and sparked reactions in the social sphere and police departments. Daniel Pantaleo, the policeman who used a chokehold to subdue Garner, was momentarily dismissed and all the emergency officers that came to the scene were momentarily dismissed without benefits (Sanburn 1).
The cases of John F. Kennedy and Garner show the importance of photography for capturing significant social events. Notwithstanding the method of photography used, documented footages inspire social reactions and contribute to decision making in law enforcement.
Differences
In spite of their similarities between cellphone and film photography, these methods of media documentation have significant differences. This part of the paper highlights some differences between the old-fashioned film photography and the modern phenomenon of cellphone cameras.
Ubiquity of these cameras
One difference between the two methods of photography is that cellphone cameras are ubiquitous while film photography is not. Integration of cameras with cellphones offers people a device that enables simultaneous communication and photography. Consequently, few people deem it necessary to carry a dedicated gadget for photography and this has caused a plummeting in the popularity of film cameras.
The increase in the popularity of cellphone and the resulting depreciation in using film photography occurred because of the fast paced changes in cellphone technology. Due to severe competition in the cellphone market, industry players used innovation and technological functions to attract consumers to their products.
After Samsung released the first camera cellphone, other companies in the mobile technology industry reacted by releasing cellphone cameras with better performance and functionality. Consumers were thrilled by the possibility of having decent cameras attached to their cellphones, gradually eliminating the need to carry film cameras around. Continuous improvement in cellphone camera technology has nearly eliminated the use film photography.
Selfie phenomenon
The competitive nature mobile technology industry has made competitors modify photography to attract consumers. The portability of cellphones made it possible for a user to take a “selfie” by pointing the camera lens on their face. However, cellphone companies saw this as an opportunity and now integrate secondary cameras on the front of cellphones.
The “selfie” phenomenon is peculiar to cellphones and differentiates them from film photography. “Selfies” have become the most common form of photography and its popularity is experienced by youths and adults alike. Social media websites, such as Facebook and Instagram, offer evidence to the popularity of “selfies.” The popularity of social media increases the need for people to use cellphone cameras since film photography does not allow users to share photographs in real time.
Conclusion
The theory of evolution occurs in the way people do things. Technological advancement changes the norm and makes it easier for people to perform activities. Although cellphone and film photography share certain similarities, the change in technology has separated the characteristics of both methods.
This paper presented a comparative analysis of cellphone and film photography. Cellphone and film photography depend on light exposure for image capturing and both influence socio-cultural events. Despite these similarities, the popularity of cellphone photography is gradually eliminating the acceptance and use of film cameras.
Works Cited
Gye, Lisa. “Picture This: The Impact of Mobile Camera Phones on Personal Photographic Practices.” Continuum 21.2 (2007): 279-288. Print.
Rogers, David. The Chemistry of Photography: From Classical to Digital Technologies, Cambridge, UK: The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2007. Print.
Vagnes, Oyvind. Zaprudered: The Kennedy Assassination Film in Visual Culture, Texas, University of Texas Press, 2012. Print.
Wade, Nicholas and Stanley Finger. “The eye as an optical instrument: from camera obscura to Helmholtz’s perspective.” Perception 30.10 (2001): 1157–77. Print.
The new millennium has brought about vast changes in lifestyles due to the evolution of information, communication and technology. Innovations in technology have made it possible for more and more people to have access to gadgets which are more affordable and user-friendly. Almost everyone owns a cellular phone. This gadget makes them accessible to anyone no matter where they are.
Cell phone function is not limited to making phone calls or texting messages. Now, it has become an indispensable instrument to link people to other people and to available information. Everything becomes accessible at the tip of one’s fingers.
Since cell phones offer so many services to consumers, many people have become addicted to the device, often springing it out of their pocket several times in an hour. Uses of the device include texting, making calls, browsing the internet, being online at social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter, and using numerous applications installed in the unit.
It has become so useful in multi-tasking that people become dependent on it for the slightest need – from dispelling boredom by listening to music or playing games to keeping friends and family updated with one’s whereabouts, activities or thoughts, to researching for pertinent information online.
Body
It is because of this utility that some people regard their cell phones as essential to their existence. Personally, I feel the same way towards my cell phone. I cannot give up using it for all sorts of things because it has become an important part of my lifestyle. However, I do not consider myself a cell phone addict because I am aware of my limits.
I get to enjoy activities other than just being engaged in cell phone use such as having lunch with my friends or going to the theater. Cell phone addicts do not care for other activities as long as they are using their phones. Sometimes, they even miss their meals or dates with important people because of their cell phone addiction (Mokey, 2010).
I may sometimes over spend on my cell phone bill, and even forego some necessities because I need to pay it, but I know I could not go over $75.00. Excessive cell phone users may pay as much as $500.00 to $5,000.00 on their cell phone bill alone (Nauert, 2007: para 17). For me, that is the height of cell phone addiction.
Cell phone addicts allow their devices to consume them. They become obsessed with it and emotionally attached to it reasoning it holds a big part of their lives due to the contact list and important data it stores. If it gets damaged or lost, they become inconsolable, as if they have lost a friend (Mokey, 2010).
I can be sad and regret its loss in the event that I do lose my unit, but I can easily bounce back to my normal moods. I am not one of those who read all about their cell phones or incessantly talk to fellow users of the unit. I am aware that there are more important things to learn and talk about.
Conclusion
Although I must admit that cell phones have earned their merits as essential tools of existence in the new millennium, I do not subscribe to the idea that my life should depend on it. With the way technology is making cell phones more powerful tools by adding to its utility, I am wary of becoming a victim of cell phone addiction myself. Anyway, what’s a better way to reach out to someone than having that person with you physically and bond over a cup of coffee or a special activity you get to do together offline?
Works Cited
Mokey, Nick. “The Top Ten Signs of Cell Phone Addiction”, Digital Trends. 25 January 2010. Web..
Nauert, Rick. “Cell Phone Addiction?”, PsychCentral. 08 June 2007 Web.
The act of driving is an issue of life and death, both of which have an equal chance of happening. However, since none wishes to die, it suffices to declare anything that might result to death out of bounds.
Communicating over the phone comes in as an experience that all people, both young and old, enjoy. Although all have the right to utilize the technology to the maximum, the situation or the environment that one is in significantly determines whether he/she has the right to use it. Drivers of automobiles for instance have every reason to use cellular phones.
However, restrictions are equally important when put in place to check their use and to ensure that they use it appropriately. Many of the accidents and road carnages reported over the world result from reckless driving brought about by cellular phone use by drives when driving. The technology, which seeks to quicken and enhance the communication process, has deprived many innocent people of their lives.
It is all about cellular phones. Whether drivers should use cellular phones or not still rages with majority suggesting the prohibition of their use of the phones while driving. Based on the working evidence that the paper tables, I too strongly support the prohibition of using cellular phones by the automobiles drivers.
Use of cellular among drivers has been cited as one of the leading causes of accidents and highway carnages. Many drivers and commuters have succumbed to their lives because of cellular phones misuse by drivers.
For instance, a schoolwork conducted by the University of South Carolina on the effects of chatting and listening on cell phones showing how it interferes with the visual tasks like driving provides a good insight to understanding the dangers that drivers risk when they drive and use cellular phones simultaneously. Dr. Amit, the researcher, found out that speaking and planning to speak requires some concentration and therefore demands more brains resources to listen (University of South Carolina Para.3).
These experiments clearly suggest that the driver may be distracted and even lose control of the vehicle since the brain, and hence the eyes, will not be concentrating on the act of driving. Reports of the national highway traffic and safety administration also indicate that around 25 per cent of the accidents caused on the roads are because of distractions. This statistics clearly speak for itself.
Use of cellular phones is one of the causes of distractions that have contributed to these accidents. Most of the people, drivers included, have access to cellular phones due to their affordability. However, while using them is not a problem, the circumstance that a driver finds him/her when his/her phone rings should largely determine whether to respond or not, if at all the issue of road accidents has to be dealt with to the latter.
Drivers also concern the US Departments of transportation about the ever-increasing usage of phones. The practice on the other hand exposes the passengers to much fear based on what can happen if the call carries away the minds of the driver. The Departments consider this act as one of the contributors in the increases in rates of accidents since it causes distractions on the passengers.
Therefore, the department also is worried of the trend putting in mind that many people have access to mobile phones. It is no doubt that this scenario presents an unquestionable issue in the fraternity of transportation. In order for drivers to use the phone, they are required to use their hands and eyes to do this.
This makes drivers lose concentration, as the control of vehicles may become a problem. Furthermore, the driver may be engrossed in the conversation based on its nature affecting his/her emotions leading to a loss of focus and control. For instance, drivers who engage in communication while driving may be angered or may receive sad information from the person they are communicating with which may anger or frustrate or excite them.
With such moods, the driver may lose his/her focus and concentration leading to an accident. Therefore, it is imperative that drivers be prohibited to use their cellular phones while driving. It should not be a matter of compromise but rather a practice worth avoiding if their safety as well as that of the passengers and other road users is to be achieved.
Furthermore, results from a study on drivers conducted in Perth, Australia in July 2005 by Insurance institute for highway safety indicated that use of cellular phones increases the chances of the occurrence of an accident by four times.
It further notes that use of hands free phones, or devices of such manner, does not improve the safety of driving (Young, and Schreiner 190). This assertion clearly demonstrates the dangers of driving while using cellular phones and therefore the need for its prohibition. There is no convincing reason that a driver who uses his/her cellular phone while driving is safe as it destructs attention.
These researches should be taken seriously if the rate of accidents and mischievous on our roads is to become outdated. People have continued to lose their lives due to the mistakes committed by drivers who are not concerned about other road users. The numbers of cellular phones are increasing in their use and as a remedy it is important for precautionary measures to be put in place to ensure that road accidents, caused by cellular phone distractions are contained.
In an argument for the prohibition of driver’s use of cellular, I do concur with the study conducted by the government of the US during June 2005, which showed that the use of these cellular phones was more likely to contribute or result in accidents as opposed to any other forms of distraction (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 8).
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Virginia tech transportation institute trailed 100 cars within duration of one year with their findings showing that those drivers using handsets and hand free car kits brought or caused more crashes as opposed to other forms of distractions.
This passes for an evidence of the consequences of what cellular phones can bring on the users of roads. It is therefore imperative that strict measures be improvised to ensure that there is no use of cellular phones among drivers of the automobiles.
Even though various researches have proved the distractions the use of cellular phones can have on the drivers and other road users, several parallel studies have been conducted with some refuting the positions. It may not be true per se, that the use of cellular phones causes the accidents. Various governments and legislations have not been put in place by various countries because they do not see this as a key cause of road carnages.
A study conducted by AAA Foundation for Traffic safety 2003 negated the previous researches by claiming that those drivers that use cellular phones while driving are more likely to reach their destinations safe as those who are distracted by other distractions were likely to cause accidents (Wilson, and Stimpson 2220). However, the report is so passive, as it does not see the need for prohibition of drivers’ use of cellular phones while driving.
They believe that cellular phones do not destruct the attention of drivers on their driving when compared to other distractions. This is a position that has also received support from those drivers or people or parties that are opposed to legislations which are intended to prohibit use of cellular phones while driving. However, as Collet points out, based on the results on the grounds, it appears null and void (23).
In conclusion, it is evident that the use of cellular phones among drivers of automobiles poses a danger not only to the driver, but also to the passengers as well as other road users. Though there are those who are opposed to this observation, the bottom line reveals most of the accidents as resulting form of the distraction subjected to drivers when conversing over the phone.
The debate has also resulted to the formulation of legislations concerning safety driving by prohibiting the use of cellular phones. Many governments have recognized it and always ensure that drivers do not risk by using their mobile telephones. To ensure that there is less distractions, states for instance Illinois have banned the use of text messages by drivers while driving, one example of the measures that have been taken to curb instances of accidents.
I also strongly second the prohibition of the use of phones by automobile drivers based on the tabled repercussions that have arisen as a result ranging from early deaths of innocent people as well as massive destruction of other people’s property. If all these result from phone misuse by drivers, why then allow them to use the phones while driving? Does it cost any thing to explain to your callers the risk they expose you to when they call you when driving?
Works Cited
Collet, Guillo. Phoning while driving II: A review of driving conditions influence. Ergonomics 53.5 (2010): 602-616.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. An Investigation of the Safety Implications of Wireless Communications in Vehicles. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2000.
University of South Carolina. Talking Distractions: Why Cell Phones and Driving Don’t Mix, 2008. Web.
Wilson, Fernando, and Stimpson, Jim. Trends in Fatalities from Distracted Driving in the United States, 1999 to 200.American Journal of Public Health 100 .11 (2010): 2213-2219.
Young, Richard, and Schreiner, Christopher. Real-World Personal Conversations Using a Hands-Free Embedded Wireless Device While Driving Effect on Airbag-Deployment Crash Rates. Risk Analysis: An International Journal, 29.2, (2009): 187-204.
Overtime, our lives have been tremendously been transformed with the mobile phone technology. We are able to attend to issues at our work place and even at our homes without the need of us appearing there physically.
Nowadays, instead of writing long letters to your friends, you can use the mobile Short Message Service (SMS) to chat with them for a while. However, this technology has come with its own setbacks such as the risk of exposure to carcinogens, cell phone dependency and mobile phone crimes. In fact, the use of cell phones exposes us to more danger than good.
Although these gadgets are portable and convenient to use, studies that have been conducted by medical experts show that they emit radiofrequency radiations that are “categorized into ionized radiations and non ionized radiations” (Oberto 316). The ionized radiations have shown to increase the risk of the user suffering from cancer.
Research has further shown that “the side of the brain that is exposed to the ionizing radiations from the cell phone metabolizes more glucose than other parts that are not exposed to it” (Larjavaara 35). These effects largely depend on how frequently one uses it, how close the user is with the antenna of the gadget and the distance between the network center and the user. Actually, the use of a cell phone is hazardous to human health.
On the other hand, to alleviate some of the above effects, radiologists have recommended the use of wireless headphones that allow the user to receive calls at some distance from the gadget. Using them for emergencies especially when you cannot access a landline phone also reduces one’s exposure to them.
However, despite one taking these measures and the attractive features (camera and games) of these mobile phones, they have shown to have greater effect on children than in grown-ups. This is because young children are still growing and their cells are rapidly multiplying. As a result, the ionizing radiations emitted from the phones predispose these cells to cancer. These facts make mobile usage more dangerous to children who can succumb to body malformations.
Besides, the use of mobile phone has enabled us to supplement our brains memory capacity with their storage memory capacity. Hence, we can be able to save important passwords and other important information in them without necessarily memorizing them.
This has been encouraged with the changing times when we have a lot of information in soft copies and less in hard copies. To secure such information, the computers allow us to come up with passwords and other safety features that could easily remembered by saving them in these phones.
As result, the mobile technology has taken a turn to crime where thieves steal these phones from their owners and then easily gain access to important information regarding their credit cards or automatic teller machines (ATMs). This has seen many innocent people lose a lot of money to these non suspecting criminals. Indeed mobile phone technology has brought more harm than good.
In addition, the technology has also come up with the mobile money transfer where the users are able to transfer money to other people conveniently. This service has impacted developing economies greatly as people from rural areas can receive money from urban areas without necessarily gaining access to physical bank halls. However, there are many times when the person sending the cash misses one or two digits of the user and ends up sending the money to a wrong number.
This wrong receiver may rush to a nearby service provider and get the cash and as a result, the sender ends up being conned and his/her efforts to get help from the network provider may prove fruitless. The service provided by these gadgets is of essence to the society, but its maneuver by non suspecting criminals is exposing the users to more losses than expected.
Moreover, “the concept of time and space” has changed overtime by the use of the mobile phones (Fortunati 513). Instead of people meeting physically as they do most of the times, now they talk over the phone to solve any pending matters. Hence, issues to do with time such as being punctual at meetings is now solved.
Although this service has improved communication, many people have adopted a culture of lying to their friends whereby if they are asked where they are, they state a place either far or near the person asking depending on the circumstances. This kind of mobile phone lies has made their use dangerous to our associations in society.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that nowadays when a cell phone user is bored, he/she resorts to this gadget. As a result, the person develops “cell phone dependence” (Leung 359).
This behavior has substituted the visiting of friends when we are bored or grieved by different circumstances. Many quickly get to social networks like Facebook and Twitter where they interact with thousands of friends that they meet online. The way people used to meet sometimes back no longer seems to work in this busy generation that is always embracing the changing times.
When one gets annoyed with his/her online friend in the social network, he/she removes the friend unlike in the physical relationships where if one get upset with his buddy, he just walks away or even fights. However, psychologists would tell you that expression of hunger on the face is important than in writing either an SMS (Short Message Service) or equally an email via the mobile phone.
Physical expression has a strong touch where one part is able to show his feelings about a particular situation and the other responds in return. This adds value to the spoken word. Hence, the turndown of our lives with this mobile phone service is socially drawing us back.
Last but not least, the cell phone usage has impacted greatly on students. Tully says that “the use of cell phones has had a negative effect on grammar” especially among the Short Message Service users (444).
This is because, the more you get into doing something the more it becomes a habit. Consequently, when students do their homework, they end up using the same jargons that they have been used to on their mobile phone. In addition, since they are able to gain access to the internet via these gadgets, many students get tempted to cheat in examinations as they can easily search for the answers online.
This kind of cheating is a crime since in the first place they are practicing plagiarism and many of them end up getting degrees they don’t deserve. Also, for the advanced phones, the students can use them to watch movies and other pornographic materials that they can access online. This draws their attention away from the classroom and as a fact, the use cell phones encourages bad morals that never existed in the ancient times.
In conclusion, despite the many services that we get from mobile phones, their use comes with many effects. They predispose the users to radiofrequency radiations that are cancerous to their body tissues. These carcinogens are especially dangerous to young children whose cells are rapidly dividing thus exposing them to malformation. These gadgets have also changed our lives backwards as they have encouraged hacking of passwords and theft of credit card information exposing the users to unprecedented losses.
It’s also worth noting that they have greatly impacted on relationships. In addition, they have encouraged negative morals in our schools where students watch movies in class as their instructors teach and cheat in exams by searching for answers from the mobile phone internet. Indeed, cell phones are small gadgets that are convenient to carry and easy to use but their usage comes with many setbacks that override their benefits.
Works Cited
Fortunati, Leopoldina. The Mobile Phone: Towards New Categories and Social Relations. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2002. Print.
Larjavaara, Schuz. Gliomas in Relation to Mobile Phone Use: Case to Case Analysis. New York: Harper-Collins, 2006. Print.
Leung, Louis. Leisure Boredom, Sensation Seeking, Self Esteem and Addiction: Symptoms and Patterns of Cell Phone Use. New York: Routledge, 2008. Print.
Tully, Claus. Growing Up in Technological Worlds: How Modern Technologies Shape the Everyday Lives of Young People. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2003. Print.
Cell phones are one of those elements of the modern reality that hardly anyone can handle without. Whenever there is considerable distance between two people who somehow relate to each other, cell phone is the quickest way to keep in touch and pass certain messages. While computer can be switched off and, thus, it will take quite while for the recipient to read an electronic message, a cell phone is something that is always close at hand, the device that is designed to serve its purpose best and the means to get in touch with anyone at any time in any place in the world where the cellular communications have been established. Therefore, it cannot be doubted that a cell phone offers a number of benefits to its owner and contributes considerably to the world communication and, hence, such important spheres as economics, politics and culture.
However, it is worth mentioning that using a cell phone involves dealing with certain issues that have the most deplorable impact on both people’s health, relationships between people and even on the environment. Thus, according to the recent research, there are certain proofs that the use of cell phones enhances the crisis in the world environment, hence, posing considerable threat to people’s health all over the world. Therefore, it is obvious that the use of cell phones involves a number of issues that have to be tackled with to come to the conclusion concerning the harmfulness of cell phones. Once assessing the impact that cell phones have on the environment, on people and on people’s activities, one is likely to come to certain deductions concerning the possible ways to decrease the negative impact of cell phones or the way to replace cell phones with a more efficient and less harmful device.
Literature Review
Whenever dealing with the latest innovations, it is necessary to keep in mind that the newest gadgets, no matter how promising or, on the contrary, threatening the prospects of their use might be, it is necessary to admit that the latest technologies have not been time-tested, which means that they have not been checked well enough to become completely suitable to substitute the existing ones, yet definitely possess the elements of the newest technologies to offer new options for the users. One of the most famous and by far the most popular, a cell phone, its advantages and drawbacks are going to be considered in the given paper.
Hence, it is most reasonable to consider both the adepts of cell phone usage and those who tend to think that the use of cell phones is rather threatening and should be prohibited. Once assessing both viewpoints, one is likely to come to the most reasonable conclusion. Therefore, it is required to consider both the positive impact that cell phones have on the fields of people’s activities and the negative ones that are most likely to hazard not only people’s health, but also the state of the environment.
The Viewpoint of the Cellular Network Adepts
Among the first ideas to consider, the one that manifests the use of cell phones as the most logical phenomenon and the key feature of the XXI century is the fact that cellular communications are part and parcel of the world development, and, hence, contribute to the evolution of the humankind together with the development of science and technologies. Despite the drawbacks and the obvious flaws of the present-days cellular connection, it cannot be denied that the development of cellular communications is a huge step on the way of progress. With the help of cell phones, people have finally reached the goal that they have been striving to for centuries, namely, transmitting the data to the other end of the world within seconds. Moreover, in contrast to the regular phone, the invention of Arthur Bell, cellular phones can be taken wherever the owner goes, which means that the problem concerning the disability to answer the phone call has vanished without a trace.
It is obvious that a cell phone has made the lives of millions people considerably easier. Therefore, it is necessary to consider some of the most essential advantages of cell phones. Hence, the progress of science and the triumph over space is going to be discussed.
The pace of progress
One of the main reasons to consider the cell phone industry progressive and rather promising is the fact that it is constantly developing, offering the users more options and more things to explore. With the variety of additional features, cell phones do remind of the futuristic novels and movies that seize ones imagination at once, which makes cell phones rather popular devices. Using the latest technological developments of the XXI century, the cell phone companies, on the one hand, suggest to blaze another path to the progress; meanwhile, on the other hand, the given gadgets lure people into exploring the new options, while the concept of a phone, namely, the device that is supposed to serve as a medium between the sender and the recipient, remains the same. The latter, however, passes unnoticed by most of the users.
However, it is also worth mentioning that in most cases, the idea of new technologies is cultivated artificially by the cell phone users themselves. Therefore, the popularity of cell phones rises without any noticeable changes in the cell phone design or set of functions. As Kavoori & Arceneaux (2006) asserted, “new meanings from new technologies are generally socially and culturally created. In the early years of cell phone development, for example, many people considered it a cordless traditional phone, thus keeping their mobiles at home, like a replacement or additional fixed phone […]. This fact is easily understandable from historical perspective about former uses of past new interfaces and communication media” (p. 36). Thus, it must be added that cell phones have still not become quite an integral part of the modern society.
When it comes in handy
It is clear that due to the efficiency of cell phones, people do not consider certain drawbacks of these gadgets as something that is likely to hinder the communication and convince people that using cell phones might pose certain complexities. Because of the convenience and comfort that cell phones offer, as well as the quality of the communication offered, people often disregard the obvious faults of the devices, considering that what has already been offered is good enough to demand something greater. As Bedau & Parke (2009) explain, the given viewpoint is rather widespread among the users of cell phones, thus, making it clear that technology is one of the most important priorities in the modern world – or, to be more precise, among the modern population:
And I do not think that reassurances from scientists that cell phones present no risks are the reason for the lack of attention to their dangers. Rather, the technology is so convenient and useful that actually taking the concerns seriously would be too much of an obstacle in our everyday lives. (p. 293)
Hence, it must be admitted that people are attracted by the ease which they can use cell phones with. Moreover, with the improvements of the existing design, the developers of the new cell phone models offer more options with each model that hits the market. Therefore, it is the comfort and the user-friendly interface that spurs the use of cell phones and makes them an integral part of a businessman’s or a secretary’s image.
What the Opponents Say: Save-the-Humankind Mission
Despite the obvious positive characteristics that one can give to such device as a cell phone, it is necessary to admit that there are a number of concerns for the device and the way it affects people and the environment. Among the most widespread ideas on the harmfulness of cell phones, one should stress the concern for the environment, namely, the way the use of cell phones affects the environment and whether the active use of cell phones can be the reason for high rates of the Erath contamination.
Moreover, it is believed that active use of cell phones might oust the live communication, which is rather undesirable, since, no matter how sophisticated and highly developed the mobile communications are, they cannot substitute a live conversation. Hence, it is quite believable that cell phones are likely to harm the way in which people communicate. Therefore, it is desirable to consider the effect that cell phones have on people and the environment closer, marking the consequences of the cell phone use.
The Earth is in danger
Among the most dreadful threats that cell phones are said to pose to humankind, the one concerning the environmental catastrophe is the most feared. Even though it should be noted that even the mass use of cell phones is unlikely to cause a disaster of Apocalyptic scale, it is necessary to admit that at certain stage of the cell phone industry development, the danger of contaminating the environment was quite tangible and had considerable scientific fundament to base upon. Hence, the issue should be considered from the viewpoint of the modern scientific ideas as well.
It is a well-known fact that used cell phones emit dangerous radioactive particles. Since very few people know how to get rid of the broken cell phones and know what threat the toxic waste which the used cell phones are, the environment, as well as people’s health, is in a hazardous situation. According to what Home Business Journal (2004) says,
Studies show that 500 million used cell phones currently stored away in closets and drawers will eventually end up in landfills, where releases of the many toxic materials they contain create threats to human health and the environment. (“500 million used cell phones,” 24 Mar 2004).
Hence, it is obvious that cell phones do presuppose certain threat to people’s health once the devices are broken and require urgent waste disposal. It is essential to mention, though, that there are few instructions on the way in which people should get rid of their cell phones. Hence, it is the lack of information that matters in the given case and causes problems (Ashton & Laura, 1999).
Communication issues
Even though it does seem absurd, cell phones contribute to decreasing the quality of communication and depriving people of the skills to communicate efficiently. Indeed, if taking a closer look at what the components of the mobile phone communication are, one will see that an incredibly important element is missing – the ability to see the vis-à-vis and see him/her react to a certain idea or phrase. Therefore, it must be admitted that a cell phone communication presupposes dealing with the lack of non-verbal component, thus, decreasing the quality and the effect of the conversation.
Hence, it can be deduced that cell phones contribute to the deterioration of live communication skills, which is rather sad in personal life and completely unacceptable when it comes to speaking about the job. As Burgess (2004) claims, “The cell phone may be about communication, but only in the most banal or unnecessarily businesslike of fashions, in some estimations” (65). Cutting the process of conversation to merely delivering certain messages, cell communication can be used as a supplementary element, but not the key means of communication. Otherwise, people are likely to lose their skills, creating “problems with face-to-face communication in public space” (Burgess, 2004, p. 65), Burgess (2004) assures:
In July 2002, the Liverpool City Council forbade its 19,500 employees from sending internal e-mails on Wednesdays, in a move designed to help employees realize the extent to which electronic communication might be worsening more interactive, direct contact and the shifting of responsibility for problem-solving. (p. 65)
In addition, it cannot be denied that cell phones pose a certain threat to people’s health. According to what Ashton & Laura (1999) state, “a plausible hypothesis is that mobile-phone headaches represent nature’s early warning of harmful magnetic field interactions with the brain” (p. 62), yet there is no factual proof to the above-mentioned statement. What has been actually found out was the fact that, when exposed to the radiation doses that are close to those of mobile phones, a human brain cells “react by releasing histamine” (p. 62), as Ashton & Laura explained.
Thus, it cannot be denied that cell communication does presuppose dealing with certain negative aftereffects. Moreover, the use of cell phones poses threat not only to the environment, but also to people’s communication skills, which means that the importance of cell communication should be reconsidered.
Addressing the Problem: Where the Truth Is
Being one of the most widespread means of communication for the people who cannot talk to each other directly, mobile phones at the same time are said to pose considerable threat to the well-being of the entire humankind, which calls for thorough research. Because of the double-sidedness of the cell phones effect, it is required that a thorough research should be conducted.
Therefore, it must be admitted that, due to the dual effect of cell phones, the conflict concerning their use is becoming increasingly topical. Being the most frequently used means of communication and at the same time the object that cannot be properly utilized in a number of countries, as well as the thing that is said to cause such catastrophes as the global warming due to its radioactive emissions, a cell phone is definitely a device that is worth a close consideration. Whether it should or should not be banned from global use is the issue of great significance for both the humankind and the state of the nature and the wildlife, which is why the problem has to be discussed.
Concerning the Conflict: The Pros and Cons of Cell Phones
Since a number of people, claim that cell phones are the pollutants that emit the matter which is supposedly hazardous for people’s health, it is rather reasonable that the use of cell phones should be restricted and even avoided; however, being the key element of the modern communication, a cell phone cannot be ousted from the sphere of the everyday use without crucial consequences, which creates quite a dilemma to solve.
However, it is worth mentioning that the harmfulness of cell phones has not been proved ultimately, which allows to suggest that the negative impact that cell phones have on people and on the environment has been exaggerated. Granted that the negative effect that cell phones have on the environment, the humankind and the wildlife has not been confirmed, it can be considered that cell phones are less harmful than most people suppose them to be.
Hence, it is strongly recommended that the effect that cell phones have on people and wildlife should be verified. Once the threat is detected, the possible means to solve it can be detected, which gives hope for the quick resolution of the issues. However, it is still necessary to admit that, due to the impact that cell phones have on the modern personal and business life, as well as the world economical state of affairs. There can be no doubt that without cell phones, numerous deals would have never been made because of the distance between the parties of the alleged agreement. Therefore, the issue in question, namely, the pros and cons of using cell phones is rather versatile and requires continuous speculations.
Discussion
Judging by the arguments driven above, one can see distinctly that cell phones offer great advantages for people to gain more comfort in their personal and business communications; however, cell phones possess considerable drawbacks as well, making people lose their skills of an everyday face-to-face communication and contaminating the environment with the radiation-emitting toxic remnants of the mainboard. Hence, it is quite complicated to decide whether cell phones should be considered a threat to the modern world or the means to communicate that cannot be replaced by any existing alternative. Analyzing the positive and the negative impact and assessing the degree of each, one is likely to come up with adequate comments and solutions.
Despite the idea that cell phones might emit radioactive substance that is likely to damage the ecosystem and cause irreparable harm to the health of the owner, people will still use cell phones simply because they offer the ability to communicate to literally anyone in any corner of the world at any time, no matter whether it is late in the night or early in the morning. Therefore, it is the ease and comfort that people seem to appreciate most in cell connection.
Moreover, cell connection can help people create even stronger and more important links, including the economical, political and financial ties. Indeed, since nowadays most companies tend to place their affiliates in various cities and even countries, it is crucial to be able to talk to a person directly when being actually miles away; offering a simulation of a live conversation, cell phones help to create links between people, which enhances both the personal relationships and the business affairs. Hence, it can be concluded that cell phones do have considerable impact on people’s lives and banning the use of cell phones can hardly be a solution.
In addition to the personal communication, cell phones also contribute to the development of the business relationships. There can be no doubt that with the help of cell phone communication, people from different cities and even from different countries can correlate their business actions, helping their companies to evolve and spreading their affiliates all over the world, which enhances the world market. Thus, it can be considered that cell phones help not only develop the interpersonal communication, but also enhance the growth of the business sphere.
Once being able to convey their ideas instantly disregarding the distance between the affiliates, the heads of various companies will be able to correlate their actions in a more sufficient way. Hence, it can be admitted that cell phones increase the authority and the influence of various entrepreneurships from all over the world, thus, spreading the ideas globalization and enhancing the effect of the latter. Without cell phones, the entire idea of globalization and the fusion of countries and cultures would be completely impracticable without one of the fastest means to get in touch with the people on the other side of the world.
Even though cell phones might be harmful for people’s health and bring considerable damage to the environment, it must be admitted that there is no alternative for cell communication when it comes to have a conversation across the space borders. Even though talking on a cell phone when making a call to another country might be somewhat more expensive than making a regular call, it is still worth noting that, in contrast to the regular phones, cell phones have made international calls considerably more affordable for most people, since the line is not engaged as often as it is when making a regular call.
Therefore, it can be considered that the use of cell phones contributes to the development of communication all over the world; moreover, cell phones have made it possible that people could talk to each other without any limit, which letters or e-mails presuppose. Hence, it can be concluded that the positive aspects of cell phone use are still to be considered. It goes without saying that with no mobile telephones, people would have lost a number of opportunities that allow them develop at present; moreover, people would have missed a large amount of the opportunities that they can opt for now, like the ability to listen to music while walking down the street, or receiving e-mails on their cell phones, and a number of other important trifles.
Despite their obvious positive aspects, cell phones still pose considerable threat to the modern society. Taking into account the specifics of the ay cell phones work and the radioactive substance that cell phones are said to emit, it is required to consider the issue of hazard that cell phones pose to the society. Since the use of cell phones might cause considerable harm to the environment and people’s health, it is necessary to reconsider the use of cell phones once and for all.
Taking into consideration the above-mentioned, one can say with certainty that the use of cell phones is quite harmful for people’s health. As it has been confirmed, cell phones emit the substance that harms people’s health. According to the reports that have been made so far, one of the greatest concerns for the XXI century as for cell phones use has been the issue of cell phones disposal. Since the latter are classified as a toxic waste after they have been used, it is obvious that used cell phones are even more dangerous than the ones that are still operating.
Hence, despite all the advantages of using cell phones, one must admit that the aftereffect of the cell phone use is still far too harmful to continue communicating with the help of mobile connection. In the light of the above-mentioned and the statistic data which marks that the number of cell phone users is growing, it is highly recommended that the impacts which cell phones have on people and the environment should be considered as soon as possible and the conclusions should be made.
It is worth marking that even the negative impact of mobile phones on people’s health is questionable, since no concrete results have been obtained to prove the above-mentioned. It must be admitted that there is certain information on the supposed radioactive emission that cell phones are responsible for. However, the given phenomenon is not enough to claim that cell phones are hazardous for people’s health or the environment. Therefore, it can be suggested that cell phones might be dangerous for people’s health and environment, yet there are no scientific trustworthy proofs for that.
In addition, the idea of cell phones being hazardous to the environment and the wildlife is rather far-fetched. Indeed, it is worth acknowledging that cell phones utilization problem is still an issue in a number of countries, yet establishing the required service is a matter of time. It is also important to mark that the radioactivity of cell phones does not cause much concern while phones are being in use, yet becomes quite topical as soon as cell phones stop operating and need to be recycled somehow. Therefore, it can be suggested that the alleged harmfulness of cell phones and the supposed radiation issue comes to the fore when a cell phone stops operating, whereas in its working condition, it is viewed as a useful device that helps people communicate. Hence, it is of utter importance to find out if cell phones pose a threat to the health of people and the state of the environment only when stopping operating.
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that cell phones do emit radioactive waves. Therefore, their harmlessness is questionable. Although the principle of cell phones work is no longer a mystery, it cannot be denied that the issue concerning the harmlessness of the matter that cell phones emit is rather questionable, which means that the latter can be considered potentially dangerous objects and the possible threat for the world. Thus, cell phones should be rather classified as potentially hazardous devices. Moreover, even though the impact that cell phones radiation has on human body has not been measured yet, it is clear that the exposure even to a minimal amount of radiation is threatening for people’s health, which means that one should offer an alternative to cellular connection.
In addition to the hazard that the cell communication poses to the environment, one must note that the addiction to cell phones provokes an excessive use of the so-called “easy” communication that does not involve anything but the vocal component. Hence, it is evident that in the given kind of conversation, one of the most important elements is missing, namely, the non-verbal messages that are transmitted to each of the participants throughout the conversation. Getting addicted to the above-mentioned type of handling a conversation, people are likely to become dependent on it. Therefore, the participants of a cell phone communication are likely to lose the basic skills of a live interpersonal conversation, which, in its turn, will harm their personal and professional skills. Hence, it is obvious that cell phones contribute to a considerable extent to the communication regress, which is a sign that the excessive use of cell phones is likely to lead to the lack of efficient communicational skills and the inability to maintain a basic conversation. The latter being an obvious sign of a mental regress, one must say that mobile phones must not be used as a basic means of communication unless any other is unavailable.
Conclusion
To sum up the above-mentioned, one must mark that, even though cell phones have become an integral part of the modern personal and business communication, the use and the utilization of the above-mentioned devices must be reconsidered. It is obvious that the toxic waste that the remnants of cell phones emit due to the improper utilization is an extreme hazard for the environment. Therefore, cell phones are supposed to be replaced with another means of communication that presupposes a more careful treatment of the environment and the people’s health. Once providing a specific means of communication that will not pose a threat to the world, people are most likely to stop the environmental disasters that the humankind is currently facing, among them the most dreadful being the pollution.
Reference List
500 million used cell phones pose environmental threat. (2004). Home Business Journal. Web.
Ashton, J., & Laura, R. S. (1999). Perils of progress: The health and environment hazards of modern technology and what you can do about them. London, UK: Zed Books.
Bedau, M., & Parke, E. C. (2009). The ethics of protocells: Moral and social implications of creating life in the laboratory. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press.
Burgess, A. (2004). Cellular phones, public fears, and a culture of precaution. Cambridge, UK: University of Cambridge Press.
Kavoori, A. P., & Arceneaux, N. (2006). The cell phone reader: Essays in social transformation. Bern, CH: Peter Lang.
Cell-phone use has become more and more popular. In fact, the latest survey has revealed that there are more cell phones than adult population in developed nations like the United States and UK (Heath 62). This survey means that it is not only adults who own cell phones, but also kids. It is true that cell phones have made life much easier and better.
With a cell phone, spouses can easily update each other on their whereabouts, managers can run their businesses from wherever they are, and parents can contact teachers on any issues relating to their children’s welfare at school.
However, these devices are receiving more media coverage for the wrong reasons than good. A recent research carried out by Harvard University researchers revealed that one in every 20 accidents is a result of cell-phone use (Richtel). Use of cell phones in moving vehicles has caused many accidents.
It is therefore, not surprising that many states have burned the use of cell phones while driving. In fact, it is high time for the states that have not burned use of cell phones to act. The greatest danger caused by use of cell phones in moving vehicles is distractions (Ross 29).
When on the road, a driver should fully focus and be alert. This is because the road environment is dynamic and uncertainties such as the driver in front suddenly braking, reaching a sudden turn and vehicle system failure can happen abruptly. Many drivers’ reaction to these changes when on the phone is often slow (Ross 34). This could be a result of a moving conversation, too many animations like waving hands, moving the body vigorously, and chattering incessantly.
Furthermore, use of cell phones on moving vehicles is a compromise of a driver’s primary task. Driving should involve the use of both hands and holding a cell phone while driving is a violation of this directive. Since driving involves making critical decisions, any distractions can be fatal.
Cell-phone use on moving vehicles may also cause erratic driving patterns. Drivers on cell phones take little or no attention to other road users, road signs, and streetlights (Richtel). They may move to other lanes abruptly without using signals thereby inconveniencing other drivers. With such serious mistakes, it becomes hard to draw a line between drunk driving and use of cell phone while driving.
Of course, some people will disagree and say. “Use of cell phones while driving is the same as talking to a passenger in a car.” What they do not realize is that a passenger in a car is aware of the traffic situation and will stop talking when he/she notices danger, something impossible with callers. Still others may say it is fine to use a cell phone while driving to address urgent issues. Matters are simply urgent to us when we live.
No one can solve compelling problems beyond the grave and therefore, first things must come first; guard your life. If there is anything one perceives as urgent and important, then the best thing to do is stop the car and address it first (Richtel). In conclusion, cell phones pose a great risk to driving and all road users must make it their responsibility to control it with, or without any legislation. Every driver must make a decision to either be a safe and responsible road user or count his /her days to prison or death.
Works Cited
Heath, Amie Marie. The impact of cell phone classification and experience on driver distraction. New York: ProQuest, 2007. Print.
Richtel, Matt. The New York Times. 2009. Web.
Ross, Brian H. The Psychology of Learning and Motivation: Advances in Research and Theory. Vol. 54. Califonia, USA: Academic Press, 2011. Print.
Cellular phones are currently very popular, with over 137 million subscribers in the United States by late 2002 (Strayer, Drews and Johnston 23). The authors further note the subsequent increase in the count of persons conversing on cell phones while driving unaware of the risks they pose to themselves and their passengers. In fact, Laberge-Nadeau (5) asserts that an estimated 85% of the cell phone possessor utilizes their hand set while driving.
According tot the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)(1), in 2009, a total of 5,474 people died on the United States roadways and approximately extra 448,000 were afflicted with injuries resulting from motor vehicles crashes that were an attribute of distracted driving. 995 of deaths associated with distracted-driving–related accidents were attributing to cell phone use; representing 18% of the overall fatalities in distraction-related accidents.
Arguably, these cases are avoidable because they directly involve indiscipline by individuals. Live is precious thing which cannot be replaced, such that anybody who acts in a way that he or she put a live or lives at risk does not deserve the tiniest empathy with regard to penalties associated with violation of the relevant legislation (Laberge-Nadeau para. 5).
Because, such ignorance has cost many lives very heavy penalties should be placed by the government to address cases of violation of this fundamental human rights. The thought of such penalties should serve to dissuade individuals from using their phones while driving.
From a personal perspective, a live is a phenomenon that cannot be replaced once it is lost. Similarly injuries cannot be reversed once they occur. Thus why should a live be lost, or a body function be lost because of a mere device. This is not comprehensible in the light of the sociological and psychological loses suffered by the casualty or their families or the people associated with them.
Think of the people who have been rendered psychotic because of the loss of loved ones, and of the children that have been rendered miserable because their bread winner have been killed in a crash associated with cell phone destruction. This in turn has put strain on the government health and social budget in attempt to provide for such victims.
Surely, this behavior and subsequent death and injuries, can be avoided. It takes just the tiniest exertion of discipline and concern for fellow humans. Some simple measures like stopping and parking the car appropriately off the road to make or receive the call can contribute enormously in curbing such unnecessary costly deaths.
Alternatively, the driver can set the cell phone on voice mail and postpone the call until she arrives at a safe place. Such and more simple measures is all that may take to keep all and sundry safe on the road.
Nevertheless, this trend has raised safety concerns due to the high number of accidents attributed to the use of cell phones while driving. Because of such concerns, various legislative measures have been developed to curb cell phone use on the road (Strayer, Drews and Johnston 23).
Often, the legislation on cell phones use and driving considers peripheral elements including holding the phone while talking or dialing. Indeed, in 2001, the state of New York enacted a law prohibiting the use of handled phones when driving, though it permitted the use of handsfree phones (Chapter 69 of the Laws of 2001, section 1225c State of New York).
Works Cited
Laberge-Nadeau, Claire, Linking data from different sources to estimate the risk of a collision when using a cell phone while driving. Toronto, Canada, 2005. Web.
Strayer, David L., Drews, Frank A., & Johnston, William A. Cell Phone-Induced Failures of Visual Attention During Simulated Driving. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 9.1(2003): 23–32. American Psychological Association,Inc. Web.