Advantages and Disadvantages of Cellphone Technology

The history of cell phones can be traced back in the 19th century with invention of mechanical telegraph by Chappe brothers with successful transmission of programmed communications at around 1893. Through this telecommunication technology, cellphones were made to allow portability in early 1980s after which successive technological modifications have been made to enable long distance communication, messaging and internet access.[1]

On the social and psychological perspective of cellphone use, it enables time management, social networking, financial access and learning. [2]

Phone applications as Whatsup, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter have enabled connect persons from different parts of the world through exchange of information. Cellphones enable time organization through calendar applications, reminders and alarms. With the advent of cellphone technology, traditional learning has greatly transformed as students can attend online classes and easily access whatever kind of information in a convenient manner. 

A study report by Pew Research Centre among the US population in 2012 suggested that among the 85% of Americans with cellphone ownership, about 65% of them acknowledge its positive role in connectivity with only 6% against this position. Further, 50% of owners report that cellphones have helped them save on time by planning their schedule thus more productivity levels with only 3% alluding that its use costs them their time.[3]

 Mobile phones are a great source of unlimited entertainment. Smartphones incorporate features that allow various game applications, playing of music, watching videos and streaming preferred news and entertainment sites from the internet. This way, it enables relieve incidences of anxiety, stress that would otherwise cause depressive and psychological disease conditions.

Towards the economic front, mobile phones enable provide information on market prices to both consumers and producers across different locations, money transfers, networking and obtaining data. The technology has provided a platform for political campaigns as well as online voting thus improved convenience[4].

A research study on the fatality trends from distracted driving in the US indicated additional road fatalities exceeding 16, 0000 for a period between 2001 and 2007 despite set traffic regulations.[5]

Cell phone use has also contributed to incidences of cybercrime and bullying as personal information can easily be accessed through social media accounts and credit cards. Additionally, cellphone use has promoted antisocial behaviors especially among the youth away from the watchful eyes of their parents such as pornography, negative peer influence and drug use. Whereas there are various negative effects with the advent of cellphone and text messaging systems, the advantages clearly outweigh its negative effects.

At a personal level, this topic has affected me both negatively and positively. The relevance of cellphone technology in the contemporary life is unmeasured. I have been able to acquire new knowledge through online research work enabling finishing my school projects. Online courses offered in school have been made easy as I can access their internet through my cellphone despite my location away from the school’s IT laboratories. Cellphone technology can enable me give contribution to national and global issues by enabling access to information and networking with other persons to learn on their perceptions of such issues.

Bibliography

Aaron Smith- Pew Research Centre; The Best and Worst of Mobile Connectivity Published Nov 30,2012 [Accessed on 8/12/2018] http://www.pewinternet.org/2012/11/30/the-best-and-worst-of-mobile-connectivity/

Aoki, Kumiko, and Edward J. Downes. "An analysis of young people’s use of and attitudes toward cell phones." Telematics and informatics 20, no. 4 (2003): 349-364.

Goggin, Gerard. Cell phone culture: Mobile technology in everyday life. Routledge, 2012.

Shirky, Clay. "The political power of social media: Technology, the public sphere, and political change." Foreign affairs (2011): 28-41.

Wilson, Fernando A., and Jim P. Stimpson. "Trends in fatalities from distracted driving in the United States, 1999 to 2008." American journal of public health 100, no. 11 (2010): 2213-2219.

[1]

Goggin, Gerard. Cell phone culture: Mobile technology in everyday life. Routledge, 2012.

[2]

Aoki, Kumiko, and Edward J. Downes. "An analysis of young people’s use of and attitudes toward cell phones." Telematics and informatics 20, no. 4 (2003): 349-364.

[3]

Aaron Smith- Pew Research Centre; The Best and Worst of Mobile Connectivity Published Nov 30,2012 [Accessed on 8/12/2018] http://www.pewinternet.org/2012/11/30/the-best-and-worst-of-mobile-connectivity/

[4]

Shirky, Clay. "The political power of social media: Technology, the public sphere, and political change." Foreign affairs (2011): 28-41.

[5]

Wilson, Fernando A., and Jim P. Stimpson. "Trends in fatalities from distracted driving in the United States, 1999 to 2008." American journal of public health 100, no. 11 (2010): 2213-2219.