Among the most significant leap in the past decades is the development of technology from basic to today’s sophisticated state. The fact that the development of human life is also simultaneous with the advances of contemporary living shows that man indeed conquered the boundless array of human exploration and knowledge. Today, we enjoy the technological advancements as well as their benefits on us. Undeniably, it could be said that the any city across the globe is technologically dependent. From businesses, academic institutions, the government, and other aspects of the society, the advantages of technology are evident.
In recent years, there has been a movement away form desktop-based, general-purpose computers toward more task-specific information appliances (Jacko and Sears 2003). Mobile phones (cell phones) and personal digital assistants (PDAs) have increasingly become the focus of research as their dominance grows commercially (Schmidt et al., 1999). The invention of mobile phones and its related technologies paved way to convenience of instant communication and broke the barrier of space and time (Palen et al 2001). The introduction of the mobile phone in the world and the immediate acceptance of this gadget is a part of the popular culture. Truly, there are many useful things that are brought about by this. In the US alone, at least 90 million people subscribe to mobile telephone services in 1999 – almost 31 percent of the country’s population (ITU 2000). The clients use this handset not only to communicate by voice, but also text messaging (SMS), access phone mail, voice mail, stock prices, sports scores, and even restaurant reviews (Svensson 2000).
Today, the mobile phone and its services reached its maximum potentials and placed itself in the zenith (Banks 2001, p. 585). However, it is the law of nature that any advantage is coupled with disadvantage. Thus, mobile phones are not exempted to this process.
This paper discusses the particular disadvantages of mobile phone. Basing it from the premise “We would all be much better off without mobile phones”, this report presents some arguments that will rebut the advantages of such technology.
The advantages of technology are challenged by the existence of its equal disadvantages. These disadvantages range from its uses and effects to people. Primarily, the principle behind the creation of mobile phones is the convenience in communication. Through the use of mobile phones, communication by means of calling and text messaging is now easier and faster. On the contrary, the quality of interpersonal relationship is lower and poorer. There is a fundamental, powerful, and universal need or desire among humans to interact with others (Dickson and Hargie 2003, p. 1). While it is true that mobile phones broke the barrier of space and time, it will not replace the lasting and genuine effect of face-to-face interaction. The fact that face-to-face communication is much more personal than that of calls and text messages, people are much better without mobile phone for communication is more special and sincere, higher and better in quality.
In terms of our personal lives, we are much better without the mobile phones because we will not be addicted with the luxury of it offers leading to consumerism and excessive consumption. A significant number of psychiatric professionals consider mobile phone extreme usage as one of the biggest non-drug addiction cases on this era (The Age 2003). Most teenagers own a mobile device and consider it as a part of the popular culture. They use it for calling, SMS messaging, ringing tone personalization, and even photography. According to Ziems (2004), “by using the mobile phone frequently, people create their own sphere of communication, and soon they will not want to do without this any more” (p. 211). The availability of participation through the use of such device makes them even closer to others (via phone. This gain of continuous presence can only be achieved by permanently phoning somebody and seeking contact. Ziems concluded that “for some users, this can take on the dynamic of an addiction”. The feeling of necessity to prove one's own presence with the mobile leads to the phenomenon of frequent phone calls that are devoid of any content. Furthermore, because of the addiction to mobile phones, people are exposed to the possibilities of consumerism or materialistic attitude leading to unnecessary consumption. The tendency is that the basic needs in daily life of an individual are not complete without the presence of mobile services that equates to a corresponding service charge – daily, weekly, or monthly.
There are also some behavioral changes occurring after a considerable exposure to mobile phone technology (Palen et al 2001). Among this is the increasing amount of deviancy like cyberbullying – a harassment characterized by using offensive words and behavior via online chatting, emails or SMS text messages (Robinson 2004). This is common among teenagers especially those who uses mobile phone for leisure or luxury purposes. Other changes in behavior or problems aside from the aforementioned ones are the risk of crime, privacy problems, and other kinds of scandals.
We are much better without mobile phones because the danger of technology related ailments is not here. This is among the most debated disadvantages of mobile phones. During these days, researches are ongoing to probe the health controversy on mobile phones. The web site live-care.net (2004) directly claimed the following:
· Cellular phone increases the risk of brain cancer (brain tumor).
· Cellular phones can do biological damage through heating effects.
· Cellular phone causes symptoms: including headaches, earaches, blurring of vision, short-term memory loss, numbing, tingling, and burning sensations, bad sleep, fatigue, and anxiety.
· Single and double strand DNA breaks in brain cells increased after exposure to RF. Exposure to both continuous wave and pulsed RF (mobile phone) produced DNA damage. Double strand breaks, if not repaired, are known to lead to cell death.
· Research by other scientists indicates that prolonged use of mobile phones may cause hot-spots to develop inside the brain, causing damage which could lead to Alzheimer’s disease or cancer (brain tumor).
· Dr Henry Lai and Dr N. P. Singh from the University of Washington in Seattle believe the radiation changed brain cell membranes in the rats - and the effects are so severe that it could affect humans, too.
There are small yet significant amount of scientific evidences for an increase in certain types of rare tumors (cancer) in long-time and heavy users of this technology due to radiation (Ahlbom et al 2004). In a study conducted by Brun and colleagues (2003), they found out nerve cell damage in mammalian brain after exposure to mobile phones as well as microwave. Similarly, the voluntary exposure of the brain to microwaves from hand-held mobile phones by one-fourth of the world's population has been called the largest human biologic experiment ever (Salford et al. 2001 cited in Brun et al 2004). However, World Health Organization Task Force on EMF effects on health has no definitive conclusion on the veracity of these allegations (WHO 2003).
Another controversy in the use of mobile phones is the increasing cases of road traffic accidents (Ahlbom et al 2004). There are studies that proved the potentialities and the higher risk of collisions and losing control of the vehicles while using the unit simultaneously. Now, there are many countries worldwide that legislated the restriction and prohibition of mobile phone usage while driving as seen in the worldwide news coverage and correspondence.
Furthermore, the increasing dependency of people in mobile phones increases the cases and issues of privacy and syndicated crimes. We are much better without the mobile phones especially those with camera because we are not on the risk of scandals and crimes. Privacy issues through the use of such device are among the existing nuisance in given societies today. The issues of morality are also taken into consideration.
All in all, mobile phones are created in the aims of improving human communication and living as a whole. It is the result of the emerging technological advancement, globalization, and growth during this contemporary era. The responsible usage of such technological gadget is the key to maximize its real function. People should be aware of the proper application of this originally useful device. But with the presented disadvantages of mobile phones, are we not better without them?
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