Do you remember or can you imagine how things were some two to three decades ago when there were no mobile phones? Messaging was done through letters, messengers, landlines, fax and the rest. Delays, among other inconveniences, characterized that tread. Today, things are much better; mobile phone communication has made calling, messaging, chatting, and video calling a real-time event. It is convenient, cost-effective, and can be done anywhere as long as network connectivity is available. Amid all those benefits, you cannot overlook the bad effects of frequent use of a mobile phone. Among all, there is this most recent and developing disadvantage called nomophobia. It is the fear and state of anxiousness related to being without a mobile phone. It is most rampant among campus and college youths although older adults are getting into the mix.
Downsides of Using a Mobile Phone
The term mobile phone encompasses cell phones and smartphones. They might seem indispensable communication gadgets but below are some of the disadvantages attached to their usage.
1. Interruptions
Mobile phones are a constant, always available, and real-time communication avenue. Incoming calls, emails, texts or social media-related notification get into your phone a few seconds after being sent. It is a convenient thing but how about all those ringing and notifications when listening to a manager or CEO in a business meeting? That sound does not interrupt you alone but also the speaker and other members in the room. It does not end there; mobile phone interruptions happen at weddings, family gatherings, movie theatres or offices. It is not only an annoying but also a frustrating happening.
2. Distraction
How could distraction to not be among the bads of using a mobile phone? By mobile phones creating a real-time communication avenue, the compelling feeling to make calls, text or even video calls while driving or working is very distracting. This does not only come as a detrimental effect on work or class productivity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say every day close to nine people die in road accidents caused by a mobile phone-distracted driver.
3. Isolation
It's true mobile phones make people connected and the world a small village. But if not used carefully, it can isolate you from family and people around you. One of the typical negative impacts is where you meet a group of youths seated around a coffee table but not talking to each other; all are glued to their cell or smartphone screens. Additionally, if a teenager or a partner is too much into their mobile phone, this can hurt their relationship with the family or partner respectively.
4. Health problems
Late night chats and mobile phone games playing on bright screen results to eye problems. On a different note, network waves can result in some skin cancers. If you decide to scrutinize the bad effects of using a mobile phone, there are even more. Eye cancer, sleeplessness which causes chronic fatigue during the day, and infertility related to Wi-Fi connectivity are among the worries.
5. Loss of money
Being a mobile phone enthusiast, trend and fashion lover will leave you minus a considerable amount of money maybe every three to six months. You want to have that latest brand, that new and nice looking phone accessory; all result in debits to your pocket. Not to forget airtime credit and internet charges every day.
What You Can Gain from Smartphones
The advantages of smartphones make them fundamental accessories if not necessities. There are several economic and social advantages as explained below.
1. Connect to the world
Mobile phones technology made and still makes the world a small village. With one of them in your pocket, as long as it is on, you can connect with friends, family or even make new friends around the globe. Thanks to calling ability, texting, video calls, chats, and the event full social media, you will remain connected as long as you wish.
2. Entertainment
From the most known Nokia Snake game to the newest fun games, it is almost impossible to get bored while you have a mobile phone in your pocket. There are many crossword puzzle games to keep you busy entertained in addition to thousands of online and offline games applications. Additionally, kids have the opportunity to enjoy cartoons and games on these mobile devices.
3. Safety
Regarding the case of the advantages and downsides of using a mobile phone, advantages accrued from having a phone go much behold the intentional ones. When traveling or going for a hike, your mobile phone offers entertainment and company. But think of it as a safety gadget. When you forget your direction back home or even get hijacked, a mobile phone GPRS can help you trace your way home or help authorities to locate you respectively. Lastly, if any emergency situation happens like an accident or a car breakdown, you can call for rescue or help.
4. Alarm and reminder
You can manage a to-do list using your mobile phones reminder option. Additionally, if you are planning to wake up early in the morning, you can set the alarm with a volume and notification sound of choice. This will help you wake up early enough and avoid being later for your meeting, class or any scheduled activity.
5. Data transfer
At the current age, with a mobile phone, you do not have to send your credentials, video, photos or even document through the post office anymore. With a few button presses or screen touching, your data transfer will be sent and received within a few seconds across the globe.
6. Various utilities
Your phone is not only a call, entertainment or data transfer gadget. There are other utility tips of these devices. A mobile phone can act as a torch, a recording device, data storage, calculator, calendar, camera, and many other utility features.
The Final Thought
With all that said and done, the way you utilize your mobile phone matters. If used wisely, a mobile phone can be one of the best gadgets you will ever hold. You can use it to benefit your life profitably. Don't let the dark sides of smartphones discourage you, it's a matter of choosing how best can it benefit you.
