Havier Coleman

Prof Williams

Eng. 102

4/24/2020

Technology Pandemic: Mobile Phones

Introduction

Mobile phones are gadgets that are available and known by almost everyone around the

world. It is known for communicating with people of different classes; therefore, every

individual wishes to own a mobile phone. These gadgets are small and portable, which makes it

easy for people to have at their disposal. There are several types of mobile phones, but the most

popular are smartphones. They have dominated the market since the beginning of the 21st

Century (Birenboim et al., 285). As much as these gadgets are rendered a good thing due to their

efficiencies, they also have adverse effects. In contrast to the various researches which underline

the disadvantages of mobile phone usage, there is information to support its advantages and to

explain why they are essential to our society. Every innovation comes with pros and cons, even if

the pros outweigh the cons, the new technology becomes a useful tool in dealing with daily

issues. Overall, there is a general acceptance that these phones limit the problems society has to

deal with and actually ensures a healthy social life when used with limitations. The paper is

seeking to determine the reasons why these devices are so widely used and if this can be

attributed to its several advantages

Statistics of mobile phone usage

 Mobile phones are owned by almost everyone that can afford them. Therefore, it is a

global concern to explore the effects of mobile phones since everyone, including children, can

operate them. Apart from communication, there are other things that one can do with phones. It

has become a question of debate in many nations concerning what effect phones have on

individuals. People have argued that only adults should use phones, which are people 18 years

and older. However, in the current digital world, phones are for everyone, families buy phones

for young kids claiming that it is a necessity for communication. The point of the argument is

that mobile phones are used for many purposes, especially to access the internet, which contains

information that can improve or alter a child’s mental development.

Significance of the topic and Issues

The topic of the pros and cons of mobile phones are significant in the current world.

Keep in mind that society has reached the 21st century that is marked with several

advancements, particularly since smartphones became popular in this century. Smartphones have

made people realize the diverse effects of phones because they are used for several reasons,

including accessing the internet which is the basis of almost all the pros and cons of using

phones (Sharma, Bhartendra, 340).

Phones are used by all ages; currently children up to the age of three are able to fully

operate a smartphone. The pros are general to all individuals, though the cons are mainly pointed

to the younger generation. Older people who know what is right and wrong are not profoundly

affected by using phones. The point of concern are the youths.

The topic is essential because it will help come up with informed decisions of how and

when to use phones. Also, it gives an insight into how careful one should be when dealing with

phones. Besides, it will enable one to realize other vital issues that can be handled using phones.
The interest in this topic relies on the fact that the phone is a device owned by everyone globally,

and their effects are felt every day. (Green Garage, n.d). The concern is, is it a good thing? It is

essential to find out if the advantages really outweigh the disadvantages as this might explain the

reason they are so widely used.

Everything available in the world has advantages and disadvantages; therefore, phones

are no exception. In one way or the another, something that is good must be criticized a little.

Several questions need to be answered as far as this topic is concerned, for instance, are phones

perfect for everyone? Should the government restrict the use of phones? Should phones be

accepted in schools?

Research Question

Taking into consideration that the thesis of the paper states that there are more

advantages than disadvantages, how do they positively influence the daily lives of society, can

these advantages explain the wide acceptance for these devices?

Advantages of using mobile phones

Phones are essential for communication; they have made the world a global village. One

can communicate with anyone anywhere using a phone. Communication is key to everyone;

therefore, having a phone anywhere is crucial because it makes people keep in touch while away

from each other. Regardless of location, one can maintain a connection with the other through

the use of mobile phones (Sharma, Bhartendra, 340). It also allows more accessibility through

texting, making calls or video calls. For instance, parents can maintain constant communication

with their children who are away on trips, visiting friends or at school.

Besides, in most developed nations, people access the news through phones. This has

been achieved through the advancement of technology whereby the internet is accessible to
everyone. One can get news wherever they are since the phones are portable. They have even

outweighed the significance of desktops and televisions. This constant communication keeps

people informed. Mobile phones are reliable and accessible in case of an emergency. In addition,

smartphones are so advanced and come with locators which allows 911 to quickly dispatch the

police or ambulance (Sharma, Bhartendra, 341). It is useful because it saves the lives of people

in case of trouble.

Phones have created social networks for people. Several applications are installed on

smartphones apps include Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Hangout, Instagram and many more.

These apps allow people to share their views on current and trending subjects. These apps are

global; therefore, they connect people worldwide. No one is restricted to using these apps as long

as they can access the internet. People in the corporate arena also use these apps for advertising

and performing business online (Gowthami, and Kumar, 474). This is considered great

marketing because one is able to work with people in different states and nations through the

apps they utilize.

Furthermore, essential meetings can be held on phones using these apps, and this saves

time and money that one may have spent to physically attend the meeting through car or air

travel. Individuals can meet anywhere since phones are portable (Sarwar et al., 224). Individuals

interact with others through the phone, and this is possible because people share pictures on

Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Twitter. Also, learning has been made easier, and students

use their smartphones to learn with others online (Gowthami, and Kumar, 475).

Since mobile phones are portable, people can have them everywhere they go. Their

portability makes it easier for most people since they can access anything, they want using their

mobile phones. Sometimes people travel away from home, and the only tool they can use to
reach their families and friends with their phone (Madolyn, n.d). When individuals go on an

adventure, they carry their phones, and this allows them to take pictures and save the memories

of the moments. If an individual is walking with their phone and encounters a scene, they can

record it for future evidence. Phones have been used in courts to support cases that require proof,

through tracking systems, videos and pictures.

Statements provided reveal that the advantages tend to be more numerous than the

disadvantages. Due to that, the wide usage of phones can be attributed to the elements provided

above.

Possible Cons of Phone and how to deal with them

In order to prove that the advantages tend to be more important, it is essential to list the

most frequent disadvantages. The supposition is represented by the fact that all these

disadvantages could be easily avoided with adequate education in regard to technology usage.

Even so, it remains important to understand what can be the side effects and what impact it has

on the life of the users.

The most significant trouble in using phones is that they are addictive. As long as one has

ever used a phone, they will never leave it anywhere. People are very self-efficient when it

comes to their phones and they never want to cut their phones off, and they want to maintain a

constant connection with people. Some people have portable power chargers in case the phone

goes off. This addiction of having a phone in one’s hand has led to several effects; for instance,

people have caused accidents using phones. For example, most people have been knocked down

by cars because they use chat or use earphones while walking on the roads (Sharma, Bhartendra,

341). Drivers have also caused several accidents because they make calls or chat while driving. It

is dangerous to the lives of other innocent people who are careful with their phones.
Futhermore,the addiction sometimes diverts the attention of people from important matters, such

as time with family and friends, studies and personal time for meditation. Most individuals

require physical attention, such as families spending time together, friends need to connect

physically; this has been troubling currently because people are comfortable connecting through

phones instead of spending time together (Gowthami, and Kumar, 476). Sometimes we need

time away from social media and spend time to reflecting, studying, understanding the world and

our perspective. Many individuals need their families and friends, and the physical connection

creates a better bond, unlike talking on the phone. If the trend of using phones continues

globally, the warmth of physical contact may be lost; children will not have time to learn morals

from their parents; hence a lost generation (Slojewski Marcin, 54).

Social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter can be used to

send shameless pictures such as nude photos and dirty videos. This is a point of concern,

especially for the younger generation who own phones. For them, they do not hold meetings nor

conduct business using the phones, and they sometimes fall victim to such immoral videos and

pictures. Besides the young people who own smartphones can access the internet and download

or watch videos of their choice using phones (Birenboim et al., 289). In turn, they share these

videos and dirty chats with their friends. It makes it hard for them to develop morally. Parents

should monitor how their children use phones and to make it easy they should install for them

the applications that are essential and necessary.

The purpose of this paragraph was to bring counter arguments to the thesis of this paper.

Even so it was proven that all the disadvantages could easily be controlled if limitations would

be imposed in regard to the frequency of usage of these mobile devices. Taken into consideration
that the disadvantages could be avoided, it further confirms the supposition that the advantages

outweigh the disadvantages.

Conclusion

Mobile phones are essential to our day to day lives. Their advantages outweigh their

disadvantages. The idea of inventing phones was of good intentions, and I agree that it is the best

invention ever. Every individual is aware of the pros and cons of using the phone; therefore, it is

our responsibility to be keen when using phones, following simple instructions on how and when

to use them is necessary for our safety and well-being. Mobile phones have made life easier for

everyone; that is why most people around the globe possess mobile phones. The market has also

reduced its prices as well as come up with different models of phones. Currently phones are

affordable, and one is not restricted on which model to use. Phones are important for

communication, they create networks, and they are good for psychological health. It is through

phones that people are able to obtain information; such as the world trending news, learn about

fashion and stay informed.

Phones are also important tools for socializing. Most people, especially introverts and

those that are shy, can communicate easily using phones. Communication on phones are not one

on one which allows people to communicate freely without fear. People can share memories

using mobile phones, such memories are shared through pictures, video calls and chats thus,

making life interesting. Consequently, society should take responsibility to ensure that phones

are used for the right purposes. Phones have valuable and beneficial outcomes that we all need in

our lives. Therefore, parents who buy phones for their children should define its purpose and

restrict the children from reaching specific sites.

 As this paper pointed out, as it is the case of any new technology disadvantages

might be evident too. Even so, as long as they can be controlled and as long as the innovation

brings advantages, its wide usage might be explained. Due to that, in conclusion, it can be stated

that in the case of mobile devices, as long as limitations are imposed, the advantages outweigh

the disadvantages.
 Work Cited

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the American Association of Geographers 106.2 (2016): 283-291.

Gowthami, S., and S. V. K. Kumar. "Impact of smartphone: A pilot study on positive and

negative effects." International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Applied Science

(IJSEAS) 2.3 (2016): 473-478.

Green Garage. “18 Essential Pros and Cons of Cell Phones.” Green Garage, 16 Dec. 2019,

greengarageblog.org/18-essential-pros-and-cons-of-cell-phones.

Madolyn. “22 Pros and Cons of Cell Phones.” Balance of Life, 21 July 2019,

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Sarwar, Muhammad, and Tariq Rahim Soomro. "Impact of smartphone’s on society." European

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Sharma, Bhartendra. "Mobile phone: Advantage and disadvantage." Asian Journal of Nursing

Education and Research 8.3 (2018): 339-342.

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