Dangers of cell phone use

Dangers of Cell Phone Use “ There are certain activities that may be more dangerous than talking on a cell phone. However, cell phoneuse occurs more frequently and for longer durations than other, riskier behaviors. Thus, the #1 source of driver inattention is cell phones” (Cell Phone Use While Driving Fact Sheet). Cell phones have revolutionized the world of communication; however it brought many dangers also to the world. Cell phone use while driving can cause accidents, deaths and injuries. The radiations from cell phones can affect the physical and mental health of the people who are using cell phones quite regularly. The camera and video recording facility available in cell phones are misused for taking naked or vulgar photograph of others and misusing it for sexual exploitations or commercial purposes. At the same time nobody can underestimate the value of cell phones in enhancing instant communication. No other communication device is capable of providing the same convenience as cell phone provides to the customers. This paper briefly analyses the dangers and utilities associated with cell phone use and argues in favor of controlled or regulated use of cell phones. Some studies have shown that more than 100 million people use cell phones while driving. “ Drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a crash while using a cell phone” (Cell Phone Use While Driving Fact Sheet). Road accidents are increasing day by day because of irresponsible. Co-ordination of hands, legs and eyes, are necessary while driving. Any distraction of attention while driving may cause serious accidents. The driver’s mind should be focused on what is happening in front and at the back while in order to ensure safe driving; however, cell phone use while driving may cause attention problems and may end up in big accidents. At the same time, on some occasions it is difficult to avoid using cell phones while driving. For example, business people have the necessity of sending and receiving information while traveling in order to manage their business properly. Such people should take precautionary measures like hands free equipment while driving vehicles. In short, only at unavoidable circumstances, cell phones should be used while driving. Some people argue that cell phone use should be allowed in airplanes in order to help people to communicate with others. For example, many of the business people traveling in aircrafts cannot stay idle during the lengthy traveling periods. They need to contact their offices in order to give proper and timely instructions to the employees. Big losses may occur to such people if they fail to communicate with their office during their traveling period inside the aircrafts. On the other hand critics believe that cell phone usages in airplanes should be prohibited because of the safety concerns. Such people are of the view that safety should be given priority over all the other issues, while travelling in an airplane. It is widely believed that mobile phone signals can interfere with the telecommunication systems of the aircrafts. “ American Airlines warns passengers that cell phones ” may interfere with the aircraft’s communication and navigation systems.” Similar warnings come from Delta, United and Continental. British Airways links cellular interference to potential problems with compasses and even cabin pressure” (Auerbach). Even though no aircraft accidents were so far reported because of cell phone use inside aircrafts, it is wise to avoid cell phones inside aircrafts because of the possibility of interference of signals and subsequent accidents. Another danger associated with cell phone use is the health problems. A considerable body of evidence proves, beyond reasonable doubt, that microwave radiation from mobile phones and cordless phones cause a significantly increased risk for brain tumors. In addition, increasing evidence is indicating that it causes disturbed brain function, damage to the genes and other disturbances (The real truth about the hazards, told by independent scientists) Malfunctions of brain can cause psychological problems also. At the same time, it is unwise to avoid cell phones totally from daily life citing health hazards. If we take little bit precautions while using mobile phones, we can reduce the threat of radiation problems considerably. In short, instead of avoiding cell phones, it is better to practice safe methods while using mobile phones in order to avoid the health problems. Another danger associated with cell phones is the misuse of camera and video facilities available in it. Since cell phones are easy to handle and convenient to use, it can be used or misused to take nude pictures and videos of others and then use it for blackmailing. For example, there are many cases, in which people take nude photographs of others and then use it for commercial purposes or sexual exploitation of the victim. Thus cell phones can generate social problems also. To conclude, as in the case of many of the other modern innovations, a variety of dangers associated with cell phone use. However, it is unwise to avoid it completely. Instead of prohibiting or controlling cell phone use, it is better to make the people aware of the safe methods of using cell phones. Works Cited 1. Auerbach Jon, “ Airlines Ban Cell phones — But Why?”. 1999. Web. 01 June 2011. 2. “ Cell Phone Use While Driving Fact Sheet”. (2009), Web. 01 June 2011. 3. “ The Real Truth About the Hazards, Told by Independent Scientists”. Web. 01 June 2011.