Mobile phones, or cell phones as they are often called today, have significantly revolutionized the way people communicate with each other. It has empowered many people and even made many things possible due to its many features and capabilities. However, just like any technology before it, mobile devices have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Disadvantages
The use of mobile phones poses serious threats to its users. We often hear from people who have been killed or injured in car accidents because they were using their cell phones while driving. These are not isolated incidents because many people have been known to chat incessantly with another person on the other line while driving. Bluetooth and hands-free devices have become very common, but these don’t help. People’s reflexes tend to slow down when talking on the phone and driving because their attention is on the conversation.
There have been many health problems that have also been attributed to the excessive use of mobile phones. For example, studies have been reported showing that men keeping their mobile phones in their pockets for longer periods can cause male infertility. There are also studies showing that some teens who frequently use mobile devices experience irregular sleep patterns due to the microwave-like radiation effect of the cell phone signal. All of this may sound absurd, but there have been actual studies to prove it.
Advantages
The advantages offered by mobile telephony far outweigh its disadvantages. The wireless technology that allows cell phones to be “mobile” and yet always connected is probably their best advantage. Cell phones have made the world smaller and have kept families closer through constant communication.
Cell phones are also very useful, especially in times of emergency. However, most of the Hollywood movies show cell phones without services, especially when the protagonist is chased by some bad guys. This is not always true because most of the telecom providers these days have strived to reach every square inch of the country with their wireless signals.
Mobile phones also have very practical applications in the business world. For example, mobile phones with email capabilities are being used by mobile professionals to send and receive fax messages online, even while on the go. Since online faxing is sent and received through email systems, all a mobile phone user needs is wireless technology and faxing has never been easier.
Mobile devices are usually very elegant and very thin. Its dimensions make it more advantageous because it is easily held by hand and can be carried anywhere and stored in pockets, purses and purses. They are very practical and very portable compared to their predecessors: big and bulky. Today’s cell phones fit into our busy lifestyles. However, this sleek and slim design also makes mobile phones prone to theft and loss.