Mobile phones: Is it our best companion?

Mobile phones have been a technological game changer ever since their creation, and there is no doubt that it was indeed helpful to human life. However, the question of whether cell phones are our most valuable companions starts from different theoretical starting points and depends on which angle one wants to take. From a social-psychological perspective, mobile phones are essential in shaping human social interactions and relationships. Employing this viewpoint would require examining how the widespread use of cell phones has affected how people communicate. It would also aim to study the nature of their interpersonal relationships and the impact of cell phone use on their well-being and interpersonal behavior. If one tries to view it from a technological perspective, one could analyze the evolution of cell phones as a technological innovation. Mobile phones may be the best companions as they are created to be so; their evolution from their beginnings as simple communication devices to their current status as multifunctional tools all work together to make tasks easier for humans. There is also the philosophical perspective, where one could explore what it means for an object or technology to be considered a “companion” and whether cell phones possess the necessary characteristics to fulfill this role. This point of view requires one to examine the nature of human relationships and how technology can facilitate or hinder meaningful connections. Overall, the question of whether cell phones are our most valuable companions is complex and multifaceted, and it can be approached from various theoretical perspectives.

However, regardless if a phone could be someone’s best friend, it is clear that mobile phones significantly impact our lives today. A mobile phone allows people to be connected even in the most remote places in the world. Mobile phones are present. It is always available and can be carried anywhere. This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones, regardless of their purpose.

Historically, as with any technology, it all began with experiments, especially communication from moving vehicles to handheld devices. The oldest record for the creation of mobile phones dates back to 1908 when a US patent was issued for a wireless telephone. It is amazing how it evolved over time, from two-way radios and analog handheld phones to the smartphones we use today.

In the past few years, the use of mobile phones has increased tremendously. Paling in comparison to the earlier times in the 70s or 80s, today, it is no longer unusual to see someone on the street talking on a mobile phone. Since everyone owns and uses one, people are expected to be more skillful and creative in their communication skills. We become more efficient and productive. Since it makes lives easier, it could also be assumed that mobile phones contribute to people’s happiness and well-being, even to some extent.

Stanley Pankavich (2019) says, “As long as you have a mobile phone, you’re never alone.” Even though they may be physically alone, people are not totally alone. The advancement of its technology meant that mobile phones connect people all around the world, wherever they are and whatever time they are in. Its compact design allows users to bring it anywhere, whether in the mountains, the seas, or even in uninhabitable places in Siberia. Ironically, though, while mobile phones accompany people everywhere, they can also make people lonely.

However, loneliness is such a complex phenomenon; it’s difficult to identify the root cause of our loneliness. Excessive use of mobile phones can be one of the many reasons for loneliness. But, as a factor contributing to loneliness in our increasingly digital lifestyle, it directly affects us. It also indirectly makes us lonely by fostering divisiveness. More screen time causes increased loneliness, depression, and anxiety, which may make us less emotionally connected to others.

“It might affect your ability to work or study because you want to be connected to your smartphone all the time,” he added. “So if any of this applies to you, it’s time to look at your behavior and level of anxiety.” (Ivanova et al., 2020)

According to SecurEnvoy, a company that conducted research using a polling panel (which is considered not as scientific as a randomized poll) found that in the United Kingdom, 66% of people who use their phones more have some form of nomophobia (it is the fear of being without access to a working cell phone). Surprisingly, 41% of the participants said they had two or more phones because they wanted to stay connected.

Pew Research Center surveys this year showed that 85% of Americans own smartphones, up from 35% in 2011. Ninety-five percent own a cell phone of some kind. What’s wrong with being a cell phone junkie? There are some serious ramifications to mobile phone addiction. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that mobile phone use is most likely the major reason for being distracted while driving. This results in an estimated casualty of around nine people resulting in death each day and injuries amounting to more than 1,000.

Texting while driving has reached epidemic proportions. Pew Research Center reported in their study in 2010 that nearly half of US adults admitted to reading or sending text messages while driving. Teens have it worse: Nearly one in three 16- or 17-year-olds texted while on the road.

In addition to this, your smartphone may be disrupting your sleep. Millennials are the leading offenders. Fifty-nine percent of people between the ages of 18 and 33 reported texting while driving, compared with 50% of Gen Xers (age 34 to 45) and only 29% of baby boomers. It’s not just driving. A study of pedestrians in midtown Manhattan found that 42% of those who entered traffic during a “Don’t Walk” signal were talking on a mobile phone, wearing headphones, or looking down at an electronic device. This resulted in a massive increase in pedestrian injuries from 2005 to 2010.

Other health consequences include text neck — cramps, stabbing pain when we look down at our phone for an extended period of time — and also poor posture, which affects our spine, respiratory functions, and even emotions Researchers have also established a conclusion stating that the blue light emitted from our cell phones and other internet devices is disrupting the melatonin production in our brain that damages our sleep.

In business, we have an advantage because it allows a user to do their task when they need to and where they are at. This is as long as they have access to business and other pertinent resources. Many take their offices with them while traveling, commuting, in the field, or just at home. Moreover, mobile devices enhance communication workflow by extending business processes, making them more efficient business-wise. It simplifies processes, minimizing duplicate work efforts, so anyone can complete tasks faster and more efficiently.

Mobile phones are an essential business tool for business owners and employees. Mobile phones can boost employee morale.  Furthermore, a mobile phone can improve customer service by remaining in contact with the office, customers, and suppliers. It increases mobility and productivity, and we can work remotely (e.g. work from home or away from an office). Mobile phones can provide employees with even greater flexibility, leading to increased productivity.

Unfortunately, significant business challenges can arise from mobile phones at work. In original terms, workflow dislocation refers to the constant influx of a variety of calls, including personal and work-related calls, that interrupt work hand flows and decrease productivity. Similar to our paja, this can also be an example of academy-related conditioning. Secondly, compromised work-life balance – ‘all hours’ vacuity can intrude on your worker’s personal life if they receive calls outside their working hours. Lastly, legal issues – the law prohibits handheld phones while driving. If you allow your staff to use a handheld mobile phone while driving on duty, you could commit an offense.

When employees take company mobile phones for reasons unrelated to work, the devices can become an unwelcome distraction at the very least. They can also become a legal and operational risk at worst. One of the major disadvantages of mobile devices is that they are defenseless against many of the same susceptibilities as personal computers. We, users, might visit mischievous websites or react to phishing emails, unknowingly downloading viruses that can jeopardize the device we are using. In addition, viruses can harm the corporate network and all its resources. Hackers are a major menace and can also intercept smartphones and Wi-Fi communications whenever a user communicates over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Aside from the technical disadvantage of the excessive use of mobile phones whether for business or personal reasons. New studies have found that excessive use of smartphones can negatively affect mental health and psychological well-being. There is consistent evidence for concurrent disease between frequent smartphone use and other disorders, such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. It has also been correlated with Internet addiction. Furthermore, excessive smartphone use is also related to loneliness, stress, and other negative emotions.

It is also interesting to think about the questions you ask. Are cell phones in the classroom an appropriate idea? Do they serve as valid learning tools or, are they distractions contributing to students’ social disengagement?

It would be worthwhile to look into this. This is because discussions surrounding the efficacy of digital devices in the classroom face the fact that smartphones are already used by students of all ages. With the widespread use of smartphones by younger students, let us look at some of the practical reasons for allowing smartphones as a learning tool in the classroom. At this time, students learn in a way they are comfortable with, and it has become a vital tool for students. Educational apps are at their disposal and are considered an effective tool to enhance and equip them. Last but not least is the use of audio and video. They can now expand their learning world by being connected.

The challenges of maintaining proper use and control and preventing abuse with smartphones are similar to those in the past. Obviously, in the past it was passing a note; today it is texting. The example mentioned will be cited as an opportunity for cheating, unauthorized socializing, or social isolation. In addition, students easily get distracted by smartphones while studying because of the constant sounds of notifications demanding immediate attention. They get immersed and introduced to the virtual world via a smartphone.

Often the distinctions between real and virtual get blurred, and students are left disoriented about what is real and what can be believed. They also tend to be forgetful not realizing what matters and what needs their attention because they are engrossed in their smartphones. The virtual world they view is highly distracting. Students find it fascinating and spend hours immersed in it. Furthermore, it is misleading and confusing. They tend to lose focus resulting in mediocre academic performance. Students use smartphones every day, hopefully as a learning tool. Hence, the focus on smartphone use in the classroom should shift from not if they should be used, but how to effectively use them.

On the other hand, ground rules for smartphones in classrooms should be strong, along with clear expectations of consequences if used inappropriately. Too much of something can be an undesirable thing-but a good balance can be an ideal way of learning various things.

In summary, cell phones, or rather smartphones can be very useful for us in this modern age. It is believed to be our modern companion technologically. Let us leverage it and call the people we care about and build strong relationships with the people we love. In addition, we should also be aware of the harmful effects it will have on us if we become addicted to it.

References

Ivanova, A., Gorbaniuk, O., Błachnio, A., Przepiórka, A., Mraka, N., Polishchuk, V., & Gorbaniuk, J. (2020, March 7). Mobile phone addiction, phubbing, and depression among men and women: A moderated mediation analysis – psychiatric quarterly. SpringerLink. Read on the 18th of March 2023, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11126-020-09723-8

Paskavich, S. (2019). Living in a Smart Phone world: Quotes About Cell Phones Addiction. Read on 10th of February 2023 EnkiQuotes. https://www.enkiquotes.com/quotes-about-cell-phones-addiction.html

Pew Research Center. (2023, March 2). Mobile fact sheet. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. Read on the 18th of March 2023, from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/

SecurEnvoy. (2021, July 29). 66% of the population suffers from Nomophobia. SecurEnvoy. Read on the 18th of March 2023, from https://securenvoy.com/blog/66-population-suffer-nomophobia-fear-being-without-their-phone-2/

Sheldon, R. (2019, September 23). Advantages and disadvantages of mobile devices in business. Mobile Computing. Read on 20 February 2023 https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/feature/Discover-the-benefits-of-mobile-devices-in-the-enterprise

Should cell phones be allowed in school?: Resilient educator. ResilientEducator.com. (2020, October 6). Read on the 18th of  March 2023, from https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/should-students-use-their-smartphones-as-learning-tools/

Wacks, Y. (2021, May 28). Excessive Smartphone Use Is Associated With Health Problems in Adolescents and Young Adults. Frontiers. Read on the 20th of  February 2023 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.669042/full