Cell Phone Use - an Overview - Essay Example

?The introduction of the mobile phones has greatly changed the communication system in various ways. Indeed, the advantages of using cell phones are many but their disadvantages as well cannot be ignored. Against this background, this essay seeks to analyse the extent to which the advantages of using mobile phones outweigh the disadvantages of using the cell phone. The essay will explain the advantages as well as the disadvantages of using mobile phones. There are various advantages of using cell phones and there has been a major increase in the number of cell phone users especially during the past decade. Pandey (2010) suggested that the number of cell phone users was estimated to cross 5 billion in 2010. In the communication field during the current period, cell phones are widely regarded as the essential and reliable means of communication. The major notable advantage of using a cell phone is the aspect of mobility. A cell phone can be carried in the pocket wherever one goes. This is very important because it allows people to stay connected and cell phones give people the freedom to communicate with their loved ones at any time regardless of geographical locations. Unlike fixed landline phones, cell phones are convenient in various ways. In cases of emergence, it is easy to call for help by simply pulling out the mobile phone from the pocket. There is no need to look around for fixed telephones. When one is involved in an accident, he or she can easily call for help without moving from the scene of the accident. This is a basic necessity in times of emergency or other life threatening situations which would require the services of qualified rescue specialists such as fire services or ambulance in the event that someone has been seriously injured in an accident. The use of cell phones can be disadvantageous in different ways. Some studies have suggested that the overuse of cell phones can lead to brain and ear damage. However, nothing has been proved yet from the studies conducted though speculation is rife that there are likely negative impacts on health from using cell phones. To a certain extent, there is growing concern that we should minimise the use of mobile phones in order to protect ourselves from the long term effects especially on our health. Other studies have also suggested that cell phone usage can cause male infertility symptoms though nothing of this sort has been proved yet (Pandey 2010). There is need to take safety precautions when it comes to the use of cell phones though no study has directly proved the major disease caused by the use of cell phones. The other major advantage of a mobile phone is that it is a multimedia gadget that lets you enjoy all the comforts in a single device (Markely 2010). Mobile phones are becoming a basic necessity each day in our lives as a result of the new innovations that are characterising the gadget. Indeed, the world will be in your pocket when one is carrying a slim mobile phone with multimedia purpose functions. The latest cell phones during the contemporary period such as smart phones are multi-purpose phones. Apart from making audio calls or text messages, cell phones now have the ability to perform other various functions. Cell phones can support other media such as video, MP3 player, radio, television, internet, games, and calculator among other services. All these features are found in one gadget so there is no need of carrying a camera or an MP3 player separately since these can be found in one device. This is a great advantage in that one does not need to carry a lot of devices but can simply carry a mobile phone. It can also be noted that a cell phone also plays the entertainment function where music as well as videos can be played to avoid boredom. Nowadays, the internet is another medium of communication that is fast gaining popularity than any other form of communication. Latest cell phones have the facility that supports access to the internet and there is no need for someone to have a computer in order to access the internet. This is a major advantage given that the internet is also an instantaneous form of communication that can reach any geographical location in the globe. One of the most dangerous disadvantages of the use of cell phones is related to driving. A lot of fatal accidents are directly linked to cell phone use while driving. In most cases, the use of cell phones while driving distracts the attention of the driver and the result is likely to be a fatal accident that can either kill the driver or other innocent passengers or pedestrians. According to Pandey (2010), in the US, use of cell phone while driving is a serious issue for concern. For instance, in 2009, the Federal government imposed a heavy fine of one million dollars to a Texan driver for driving and talking on the phone which is the highest fine in the world for driving while using a cell phone. It can be noted that the use of cell phones while driving has contributed to a lot of fatal accidents in the roads. To a certain extent, cell phone usage is addictive such that other drivers cannot desist using the device while driving. If measures are not put in place to curb this dangerous behaviour, this will remain one of the disadvantages of using mobile phones. Another advantage of using mobile phones is that they are capable of storing a lot of contacts. This is a great advantage as far as conducting business is concerned. It is also easier to contact the employees, other staff members as well as clients through the use of cell phones. This is a big advantage given that communication can take place any time of the day whenever there is need for business. In most cases, business is about getting the clients to buy particular products offered and this is done mostly through communication. Cell phones play a pivotal role in promoting communication between an organisation as well as clients and the other potential customers. Cell phones have a facility that allows the exchange of text messages and this can be an advantage given that valuable information can be exchanged in business. On the contrary, the other disadvantage of cell phones particularly in the youths is that they are often distracted from their studies as a result of the entertainment functions of the mobile devices. Instead of concentrating on they are school work, they are at times found wandering with their phones or playing games. Mobile phones have been discovered to be problematic especially among the youths. Overuse of cell phones has negatively affected the performance of some school going kids. In some cases, people are forced to engage in legal activities through the use of their cell phones. Some of these include watching pornography videos as well as other explicit stuff that is capable of corrupting the mind. In some cases, people use their camera phones to spy on other people which is not something that is advocated. This normally results in lawsuits being filed against the offenders and it can be noted that the use of cell phones is somehow responsible for causing disharmony among the members of the society. Dangerous information can also be exchanged through the cell phones which can threaten the security of the society as a whole. Over and above, it can be noted that the introduction of the mobile phones has greatly changed the communication landscape in various ways. Indeed, the advantages of using cell phones are more and they outweigh the disadvantages of using the mobile phone. However, a critical analysis of the use of cell phones shows that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in many ways. Cell phones can serve multipurpose media functions such as music, video, internet access gaming and many other functions. These are all combined in one device which is handy and portable. Above all, mobile phones are convenient and they enable us to stay connected to family and friends wherever we are. References Markely A (2010). Advantages of mobile phones: Enjoy latest technology on the move. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-mobile-phones-enjoy-latest-technology.html Pandey K. (9/3/201). Advantages of cell phones. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-of-mobile-phones.html Yorady A. (N.D.) The advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones. http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Mobile-Phones&id=2246629 Read More