The consequences of the distractions caused by mobile phones can range from simple to ultimately a deadly consequence. This is supported by dictionary definitions of the term menace also ranging from harmless to possibly lethal. The most risk-free definition is that a menace is “troublesome or annoying” and can be applied in the classroom and the work place. Mobile phones do not create danger in these places, however they are a menace to classmates, workmates, teachers and employers as they can be an obstacle to concentration. An extreme definition of a menace is a “possible danger or threat” which can describe the distraction a mobile phone plays on the road as it diverts and interrupts a driver’s concentration making them the ultimate weapon. As previously mentioned, two venues where mobile phones play a distraction is in the work place and in schools. Texting, calling, listening to music and browsing the internet on mobile phones has been banned in the classroom and in most workplaces as they distract the students and employees from the task at hand and can hinder their education and their work effort. Laziness is also a reason why mobile phones have become a menace with a clear example of this being text language. Text language shortens words for easier mobile phone usage and is so common that in 2006 the New Zealand Qualifications Authority announced that text language will officially be acceptable in the end of year exams.
One of the most deadly places that a mobile phone will ever be a menace is in the car. Texting and taking or making phone calls whilst driving causes drivers to focus on things other than the road and decreases their ability to be aware of their surroundings. It is extremely dangerous and can lead to injuries and lives being taken. Statistics showed that there were 25 fatal crashes and 482 injuries between 2003 and 2008 where a mobile phone was involved. The amount of deaths and injuries caused by this distraction initiated the introduction of a new law in 2009, making talking or texting on mobile phones during driving illegal.
Mobile phones have been proven to be indisputably a menace to society due to the distraction and laziness that they cause. As discussed, the venues for distraction are commonly classrooms, workplaces and whilst driving. Over time the ability of mobile phones is increasing, however the awareness of the distraction they cause is also increasing and will hopefully keep increasing in the future.
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