The cell phone is a device that can be used to communicate with other people.

It is a device installed with a chip allowing it to transmit signals in order to reach another person with the possession of another cellphone without a cord. It is a better way of communication because it can be traveled around. Although there was the telephone it could not be traveled around due to the cord attached to it. Cell phones have helped in certain aspects such as trade, safety and much more. There have been many questions towards the use of cell phones. Questions such as: Is the use of cell phones safe for the brain due to the radio waves or is able to stay for long hours without charging. Cellphones have made a great impact on the society and have changed the world in many ways. It has changed the way human beings communicate and the way we act. Although cell phones have made great positive impact, there are also many negative impacts as well. Due to this device, the world has changed drastically. This is one of the developments in the world that made fast progress throughout world history. There is also a lot of history behind it to. The Cell phone started from the aspects used in the radio that was developed in the 1940 s. It was made by Dr. Martin Cooper in 1973. It was called the DynaTAC also known as the brick. It was first shown in the US by Motorola. The phone was about 12 inches and it cost $4000. Then, a company in Chicago started a company in 1983 which was the first commercial cell phone system and it was called Ameritech Mobile Communication. The mobile cellphone is without a doubt one of the most explosive developments ever to have taken place in the telecommunications industry. By the end of 1990 there were just 11 million cellular subscribers world-wide; eight years later that figure had moved to 320 million and is now exceed 550million by the end of next year. China posted an 87% combined annual subscriber growth

rate from 1995 to 1998, with other major economies like Brazil (82%) and South Africa (67%) not far behind. For the world s poorest countries, cellular telephony and wireless local loop systems represent the best chance yet of bringing the power of telecommunications to economically disadvantaged or isolated communities. Cambodia, for example, is one of only half a dozen countries in the world where cellular subscribers already outnumber fixed-line subscribers. There have been many advantages and disadvantages for the use of cellphones. One of the advantages is that it can slightly decrease the risk of developing the brain tumors glioma and meningioma, increase personal safety by providing an easy means of contacting others during an emergency; According to an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) poll, 56% of people over the age of 65 cite safety as a reason they have a cell phone, safe for persons with a pacemaker to use a cell phone. This is according to the American Heart Association, the radiofrequency emissions (RF) of cell phones available in the United States do not affect pacemaker functioning during normal use. The cellphone is also harmless to use because cell phone radiation levels are tested and examined by the manufacturer to meet the safe levels established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Random tests of phones on the market by FCC scientists further ensure that radiation levels meet FCC guidelines. It is also harmless because they do not cause cancer or other health problems. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), US Government Accountability Office (GAO), and other agencies have stated that there is no evidence in the scientific literature proving that cell phones cause brain tumors or other health problems. Another advantage is that it can be used anywhere you are. Let it be the park or the bathroom or even in another country from your

house. This has also contributed to world becoming a Global Village. Global Village means that it connects the whole world together and therefore makes it easier to communicate with others around the world. These advantages have made many people to use cell phones and have allowed them to enjoy what they paid for. The disadvantages towards using cell phones are that it can be dangerous when driving because using one hand to hold the phone and the other to hold the steering wheel is mostly likely to cause accident. Also when you are using the cellphone, this can cause distraction and make one lose concentration on driving. It is encouraged to use a head set when driving. Another disadvantage is Long term cell phone use can increase the likelihood of being hospitalized for migraines and vertigo by 10-20%. Studies have shown that the more one uses a cell phone that person may be taking frequent visits to the hospital due to certain brain sicknesses such as migraines and vertigo. Another disadvantage is the use of Lithium-ion batteries, used in most cell phones. This type of battery can explode from exposure to high heat, or from overcharging a faulty counterfeit battery. These explosions have caused injuries and started fires. Another disadvantage is that children are at an increased risk for adverse health effects from cell phone radiation. One study has shown that children under the age of eight absorb twice the amount of radiation into their brain tissue as adults due to their lower skull thickness. So, if children at a young age should use a cell phone it is most likely for them to have a higher rate of radiation going into their brain tissue. Another disadvantage that is gradually coming to concern is privacy. Since there has been a major boost in the world s technology, the government has found ways to tap phone lines to listen to your conversation. This is violating your personal space or privacy which is also violating your 4th Amendment rights which prohibits

unreasonable searches and seizures and sets out requirements for search warrants based on a probable cause. These disadvantages have made some people not even use cellphones, but, there are still many who neglect this and continue to use cell phones.

Cell phones have also contributed to the environment. There have been environmental complaints in developed countries, where zoning laws, property rights and environmental obligations are often more strictly enforced, and where reliable access to a range of communications services is, in any case, taken for granted. Communities in developing countries are, conversely, often so grateful for modern communications infrastructure that they are happy enough to turn a blind eye to environmental aesthetics. In order to avoid problems with environmental groups and local communities which have been costly, many equipment manufacturers and operators are now working on ways to reduce the environmental impact of cellular antennas. In the Central Business Districts of large, modern cities, the problem is easily solved by simply integrating a large number of small antennas into the top of tall buildings. In suburban and semi-rural areas, the large, steel-grey structures needed to support larger. In South Africa, for example, at least one operator has taken to camouflaging GSM towers in tropical palm trees. Elsewhere, the tall spires of churches and cathedrals are being used to hide antennas, representing a positive solution for both the general public and the religious organizations which suddenly find themselves with profitable antenna-site rental on their hands.

The use of cell phones has changed the way people act in the world. There is now etiquette used in cell phone conversations and there have been slangs used in cell phone conversations. The basic cellphone etiquette is to say Hello when someone should pick up. This has been known for a very long time and it has been always been used. This is significant because it shows how the world can adopt to things in a very quick way. It shows significance in the society because it shows how people relate with each other and the mobility of the world. Solving problems of etiquette requires action from two separate groups. Mobile users need to become more aware of the fact that being interrupted during a face-to-face meeting or social engagement or having to listen to loud conversations that don t concern them, is a source of annoyance to most people. Mobile phone users should turn their handsets off whenever receiving a call would be inappropriate, for example, in any public place where others are close to each other, at religious services, funerals, weddings, or in quiet places like nature reserves. New technologies like GSM s Simple Message Service (SMS), call diversion and voice mail, and discreetly vibrating cellphones leave little excuse for bad manners. In an exceptional case when taking a call in company is unavoidable, users should excuse themselves before answering the phone, and then go to a quiet place where they can sort out their business in private. The second group is companies and this means colleagues and immediate bosses, not just senior management. Companies need to give a greater amount of respect to employees right to personal time. Ideally they should define a corporate policy on out-of-hours calls, and ensure staff to stick to it. Not only will a responsible, respectful policy on mobile phone use keep employees happier and more motivated, it will ultimately translate into greater efficiencies,

since staffs that don t fear constant interruptions are more likely to make themselves available to deal with a real emergency. The problem of social alienation is perhaps the hardest to explain, yet is potentially one of the most destructive results of a world over-reliant on wireless communications. Sociologists are already beginning to note that many people, especially those under 30 years old, are spending a great deal of time speaking to people they are not with, at the expense of those who are actually there. A telling example comes from Finland, which has over 60% mobile penetration. There, entire groups of young people sitting together are frequently seen to be talking on their mobile phones to absent friends and colleagues. It s the ultimate in social alienation, and indicative, say some sociologists, of a trend which threatens to eat away at our sense of social understanding. Whether it s the novelty of the technology or our simple need to feel wanted, the human brain seems to register incoming electronic signals as inherently more urgent and important than the interpersonal signals coming from a fellow human being in front of us. This has really amazed a great amount of people. On the other hand cellular telephony has brought great and new freedoms for youngsters and increased security and peace of mind for their parents. It is now possible for young people equipped with cellphones to stay in touch with their parents and for parents to stay in touch with their children. This can help reduce or eliminate the need for meaningless restrictions on young people that were only in place because of parents anxiety as to their children s activities or whereabouts. Costs may not even be a major issue, since these can be controlled through the use of pre-paid cards.

The cell phone has contributed many things in the society. It has improved our way to communicate. It is no more face to face conversation or being stationary in order to speak with someone elsewhere. It is now the possibility of movement which has changed the world. The cell phone has shown how advanced the human race can get. It is not known of our limitations. Although there has been a major boost in technology, the human race still does not know what will happen next. I am positive that there will be many other things that the human race will figure out; it is just a matter of time.

References 1. Joachim Schuz et al. "Cellular Telephone Use and Cancer Risk: Update of a Nationwide Danish Cohort," Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Dec. 2006

2. Erick Swanson, "Stop Freaking Out Asbout Cell Phones," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Aug. 3, 2008

3. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), "Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental 4. Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation," 61 Federal Register 41,006, Aug. 7, 1996

5. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), "Radio Frequency Safety," www.fcc.gov (accessed Aug. 24, 2009)

6. Government Accountability Office (GAO), "Research and Regulatory Efforts on Mobile Phone Health Issues," www.gao.gov, May 2001

7. National Cancer Institute, "Cellular Telephone Use and Cancer Risk," www.cancer.gov (accessed Aug. 24, 2009)

8. International Association for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry (CTIA), "CTIA Consumer Info: Driving Tips," www.ctia.org (accessed Aug. 24, 2009)

9. Adam D. Thierer, "Here Come the Federal Cell Phone Cops," CATO Institute, www.cato.org, June 25, 2001

10. www.cbc.ca (accessed September 21, 2009)

Nwabueze Onuorah English Language Project How Does Cellphones Impact On Our Society? E7-02