Cell Phones: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Impact on Modern Life
Are Cell Phones Bad for Us?
- Yes, because they’re making us lazy.
- For example, we don’t think for ourselves now; we just look everything up online.
- No, because they help in emergencies.
- For instance, I saw someone trying to steal a car and immediately called the police.
- Yes, because they’re harming human interaction.
- For instance, people don’t pay attention to each other anymore; they just stare at their phones.
- No, because they’re excellent learning tools.
- For example, I can use my cell phone to study English vocabulary and take practice tests.
- Yes, because they’re distracting.
- For instance, they have been the cause of many serious traffic accidents.
- No, because they make communication easy.
- For example, they allow us to keep in touch with family and friends.
Could Cell Phones Be Bad for Children?
I think that cell phones can be both good and bad for children. An important advantage to cell phones is that children can easily contact their parents if they have a problem. For instance, if they miss the school bus, they can call their mom or dad and explain what happened. Children having cell phones means that parents worry less. One additional example is that all smartphones now have tracking software, so parents can find out where their children are. Cell phones also give children a sense of belonging within their groups of friends. Since most children have cell phones nowadays, it would be difficult for any child who didn’t have one.
On the other hand, cell phones can be bad for children who may be too young to take responsibility. For example, these children could easily lose their phone or go over the payment plan. Some people believe that cell phones are damaging education. For example, children now have poorer grammar and writing skills because of “text speak”. In addition, children often find it difficult to focus on their homework when they could play games on their phone or text their friends. Overall, it’s clear that cell phones impact children in both positive and negative ways.
Personal Experiences with Cell Phone Usage
MIO’s Perspective:
Question: Do you spend a lot of time on your phone? Why or why not?
Yes, I spend a lot of time on my phone. For example, when I wake up, I check my phone and respond to text messages immediately. Then I check the social networks. When I eat breakfast, I usually check my social networks for a while while I eat. Even when I’m waiting for a class, I usually talk on WhatsApp or surf the Internet. At night, I try to focus on advancing my tasks and not use the cell phone. In my free time I talk with my friends by WhatsApp or listen to music. My mother does not agree with the constant use of the cell phone.
I use my cell phone as an alarm clock in the mornings.
Then during the day I surf the internet when I need some information about medicine.
I check my social networks during my free time of the day.
I use my cell phone to study vocabulary in English and take practice tests.
I use my cell phone to keep in touch with my friends and family.
I use my cell phone to watch the news.
LIBRO’s Perspective:
Question: Do you spend a lot of time on your phone? Why or why not?
Yes, I spend a lot of time on my phone. For example, when I wake up, I check my phone and I respond to texts right away. Then I check social media. When I have breakfast, I can’t stand just eating. I prefer to watch a video or play a game. Even at the bus stop, I dislike just waiting. I usually call a friend or browse the Internet. At night, I avoid doing my homework by using my phone. I text my friends or listen to music. My mom tried to ban phones from 7:00 to 10:00 PM in our house, but it didn’t work. We are all addicted to our phones!