What Are the Positive & Negative Aspects of Cell Phones?
Technological advances change the way people live. Cell phones are no exception to this and can be found in the hands of everyone from teenagers to the elderly. The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, CTIA, estimates that over 290 million people in the US have cell phones as of 2010. Some companies even go as far as issuing cell phones to employees. Yet, like all technologies, negative aspects of cell phones offset some of their positive aspects
1. Pro: Personal Safety o Many situations can place a person in danger, and cell phones help when you're in an unsafe situation. Car accidents, medical conditions and traveling alone can necessitate contacting someone quickly for assistance. With direct or roaming coverage in all but the most remote areas of the US, cell phones enhance the ability of people to resolve emergency situations. The AARP reports that, as of 2006, over half of cell phone users over the age of 65 maintain cellular service specifically for safety reasons.
Con: Dangerous Driving o The research on the effects of talking or texting on a cell phone remain unclear, but point to cell use as a cognitive distraction. The National Highway Traffic Safety estimates that 25 percent of crashes trace back to driver distraction, to which cell usage contributes. Despite the uncertainty of the research, state governments take the threat seriously. As of early 2011, 39 states and the District of Columbia maintain laws or regulations that impose some limits on cell phone usage while driving, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Pro: Communication Convenience o Cell phones allow people to touch base with friends, family and co-workers. This lets family members inform one another about changes in their respective schedules, which can reduce worry. It allows co-workers to coordinate meetings and reports or repair a crisis before it spirals out of control without waiting for someone to get back to the office. Smart phones add to
1. Pro: Personal Safety o Many situations can place a person in danger, and cell phones help when you're in an unsafe situation. Car accidents, medical conditions and traveling alone can necessitate contacting someone quickly for assistance. With direct or roaming coverage in all but the most remote areas of the US, cell phones enhance the ability of people to resolve emergency situations. The AARP reports that, as of 2006, over half of cell phone users over the age of 65 maintain cellular service specifically for safety reasons.
Con: Dangerous Driving o The research on the effects of talking or texting on a cell phone remain unclear, but point to cell use as a cognitive distraction. The National Highway Traffic Safety estimates that 25 percent of crashes trace back to driver distraction, to which cell usage contributes. Despite the uncertainty of the research, state governments take the threat seriously. As of early 2011, 39 states and the District of Columbia maintain laws or regulations that impose some limits on cell phone usage while driving, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Pro: Communication Convenience o Cell phones allow people to touch base with friends, family and co-workers. This lets family members inform one another about changes in their respective schedules, which can reduce worry. It allows co-workers to coordinate meetings and reports or repair a crisis before it spirals out of control without waiting for someone to get back to the office. Smart phones add to