Are Cell Phones Detrimental?

          by: Charly Oscanoa

There are 6.8 billion cell phone subscriptions currently activated, almost covering the total global population of 7 billion. The effects of the cell phone’s emergence have been proven to be ambiguous, thus rendering a society to believe that the impression of the cell phone is beneficial and overlooking its negative consequences. Problems that rise from the use of cellphones range from those that affect health as well as the health of society. The dependence of this telecommunication device has become part of the average modern human being. Without cell phones in our pockets, the feeling of being “naked” emerges into our lives due to its deep integration into today’s society.

According to numerous medical studies, the population of cell-phone users is subjected to health risks related to the usage of cellphones. In fact, a distressing correlation between cancer and cell phones has been discovered indicating that the cause is the radio frequencies that are transmitted from the device. Other drawbacks from cell phone usage are increased stress levels and eye vision deficiency. The latter is caused by the small screens phones have, which lead users to squint and strain their eyes. Stress levels are heightened due to constant notifications, messages and ringing that distracts the cell phone user.

Cell phones through various means evidently affect productivity from their work, thus, decreasing the job efficiency of society.  According to a study conducted by Bill Thornton, a psychologist at the University of Southern Maine, the very sight of a cell phone leads to a weakening of intuitive processes. In this study, students who took a test away from their phones scored superiorly compared to the ones who had their phones in their sight. The cell phone has a negative impact on the social life of a worker because it provides no separation between work and home. Through the devices, the issues of work follow the person at all times. Ironically, the use of cell phones appeared to have benefited the economy by promoting GDP growth. This is caused by the increase in “e-commerce”, the selling and advertising of items online.

Cell phones’ negative effects are not only visible through numbers and psychological studies but also through its contemptible manifestations of its power. They have taken part in many acts of terrorism, often serving as detonators of explosives as well as allowing hackers to breach confidential accounts. Another familiar yet despicable practice is cyber bullying, which is facilitated by the usage of cell phones. Undoubtedly, cell phones have made society “closer” at an enormous scale, however, they have also caused deterioration of people psychologically and physically. The meaning of the word “international” has been diminished by the integration of everything into a small device but this new sense of closeness can only be expressed through materialistic viewpoints.