Discovery of the cellphone is one of the most significant technological advancements of the modern world. These devices have become the leading communication tools in both developed and developing nations. Their extensive use has impacted the physical, social, economic, aesthetical, and health aspects of a majority of the people throughout the globe. Even though cell phones have contributed negatively to humanity through the deterioration of interpersonal relationships and undermining of children’s well-being of children, their benefits to the society which include allowing for convenient communication, easier access to professional services, development of social networks, increased access to information, and providing entertainment services, have largely outweighed their disadvantages.
The first substantial impact of cellphones is the convenience of communication they offer. In the past, landlines were the primary means of communication. They were highly disadvantageous as they had limited portability. However, cell phones are portable and can be used in whichever location a person chooses as long as the area is within network coverage. A majority of people prefer cellphones to landlines not only because of the convenience they offer, but also their abilities to send Short Text Messages (SMS). Business people use cellphones to maintain correspondence with customers, business partners, financial institutions, and suppliers. Furthermore, these communication devices have also enabled families to retain their kinship, particularly where geographical differences are involved. Research conducted to examine the broader impact that cell phones have on the lives of people ended with 65% of the interviewees being of the opinion that mobile devices have made it easier for them to stay in touch with their loved ones. Only 6% believed that their access to a cell phone has not played any role in improving connections with their loved ones (Smith, 2012). From these findings, it is clear that many people appreciate the connectivity that these handheld devices offer. It is therefore correct to say that mobile phones have bridged the gap between places, making them closer through calling, texting and social networking.
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The working population has greatly benefited from the use of cellphones as they have provided easier access to professional services. People no longer have to work in their offices. They also need not to worry about the unexpected work problem that might occur when they are on vacation as they can deal with them remotely through their mobile devices. For instance, the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system allows for the viewing of a customer’s information on mobile phones. A sales representative can therefore easily access this information while on his way to see a client, allowing him to provide thoughtful services (Smith, 2012). Moreover, in recent years innovation has made it possible for money transactions to be carried out using cellphones whereby the SIM card acts as a unique personal identifier. In 2007, Safaricom, the leading communication company in Kenya launched Mpesa, the first ever financial service that made it possible for people to send and receive money using their mobile phones. Furthermore, financial institutions have made it easier for a customer to access his account, check balances, and also receive banks statements all through his mobile phone.
Cellphones play a significant role in the social lives of most people all over the world. The significant impact that they have made in redefining the term “socialize” among individual cannot go unnoticed. In addition to voice and text services, most mobile devices today have other key features that include cameras, radio, alarm clock, internet access capabilities, and social networking applications among many other. The youth have positively taken advantage of these features, organizing and maintaining social contacts with relatives and friends (Smith, 2012). They also make heavy use of social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, google+, WhatsApp, and Skype. Therefore, cell phones have greatly influenced social interactions and interpersonal relationships in the society.
There has been a dramatic increase of access to information with the introduction of cell phones. The popularization of smartphones in recent years has introduced the world to high-speed internet connection (Smith, 2012). As a result, people can now get all the information that they need at their fingertips. Social media platforms keep people updated continuously on the various happenings. Information from one side of the world can reach people on the other side in the shortest time possible.
Mobile technology helps people to relax during their spare time by providing them with entertainment. Unlike in the past where mobile phones were only used to make calls, today, they can do much more. People can opt to use the internet, read e-books, play games, take videos and photos, or indulge themselves in the other numerous entertainment services that these devices offer (Smith, 2012).
Cellphones have made life easier by offering a myriad of services all at once. In the past, traveling involved packing all the necessary gadgets such as a laptop, music player, and camera. Today, growth in technology has led to the manufacture of mobile phones that come with in-built music players, cameras, and other features (Smith, 2012). There are also numerous applications that serve different purposes. Smartphones have made it possible for people to access their emails, create documents, find their way in unfamiliar areas, and get the weather all from the palms of their hands.
Cellphones have also negatively impacted the society by fueling the decline of interpersonal relationships. Overreliance on mobile technology has led to the neglect of real-world communication. The extended use of cell phones has generated an upsurge in texting and social networking, a situation that has largely undermined face-to-face communication. Sherry Turkle, a professor of Social Studies and Technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology argues that mobile devices and people’s online personas are redefining human communication and connection (Turkle, 2017). Texting and social networking through mobile devices allow people to control what they choose to communicate to others. People often prefer to send a text rather than call and have an actual conversation. In doing this, Professor Turkle states that “we sacrifice human conversation for mere connection (Turkle, 2017).” Virtual communication is accompanied by an inherent lack of trust, and the result is a decline of closeness in relationships. However, this situation can be remedied by increased voice calls rather than sending text messages, and limiting the time spent the gadgets. For instance, people should avoid using their mobile devices while in the company of others.
The use of cellphones by children has had adverse effects on their mental health as well as their social skills. Children with mobile phones spend large amounts of time on their devices and reduce the time they spend on hobbies and homework. Their academic performance suffers due to fatigue due to extended smartphone use and poor preparation. Recent research has also revealed that teens who use mobile phones are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression (Szumski & Karson, 2012). Moreover, the use of cell phones by minors is considered a leading cause of cyberbullying, sexting, and viewing of inappropriate content. In particular, cyberbullying causes depression, fear, anger, isolation, hopelessness, and even suicide ("How safe are mobile phones for children? | MobileWise", 2015). However, through strict monitoring and control of children coupled with the implementation of restrictions and safety measures, parents can protect their children from these adverse effects.
Despite the setbacks observed, the world has undeniably made tremendous growth since the inception of cell phones. With humankind continuously making significant strides in innovation, these mobile devices will only get better, and their use will further increase. Proper management, training, and planning will suppress their adverse impacts and increase the positive effects associated with their use.
References
How safe are mobile phones for children? | MobileWise. (2015). Mobilewise.org. Retrieved 9 October 2017, from http://www.mobilewise.org/facts/how-safe-are-mobile-phones-for-children
Smith, A. (2012). The Best (and Worst) of Mobile Connectivity . Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech . Retrieved 8 October 2017, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2012/11/30/the-best-and-worst-of-mobile-connectivity/
Turkle, S. (2017). Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other . Basic Books.
Szumski, B., & Karson, J. (2012). Are cell phones dangerous?. San Diego, CA: ReferencePoint Press. (Szumski & Karson, 2012)
