Effects of Cell Phones

Effects of Cell Phones

In today’s world, it is hard to go anywhere without seeing someone using a cell phone. People use cell phones when driving, walking, or playing. Short-term or long-term uses of cell phones have both positive and negative side effects on their users. People who use cell phones daily increase the risks of getting health problems. Many studies have shown how frequent use of cell phones can expose both children and adults to more health and complications issues, although, the results cannot be seen immediately. People also use cell phones to share images and connect to others through texting or calling. This argumentative essay focuses on both the positive and negative effects of cell phones usage.

According to research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic, men that use their cell phones more than four hours suffer from lower sperm counts than their fellow men who do not get exposed to the use of phones frequently. The same group researched infertility. They obtained sperm samples from men who had their phones in talk mode and those who did not place their phones in talk mode. They later found out that men who are always closer to their phones have higher levels of harmful free radicals and lower levels of protective antioxidants as compared to their counterparts. Berl also writes about a research that was conducted among 20 people who often use cell phones and 20 people who do not use cell phones. They collected swabs of saliva from each group and noticed that free radicals were present in people who use cell phones heavily, which means that their cells were damaged.

The study conducted in Sweden revealed that children who use cell phones are five times at risk of getting brain cancer, cancer of the glial cells, and acoustic neuroma. And there are also studies which revealed that children who are exposed to cell phones have behavioural problems. Those children whose mothers used cell phones while expectant and children who use cell phones had behavioural challenges by 80%. Examples of behavioural issues they suffered from include hyperactivity, lack of attention, and emotional issues. On the other hand, even teenagers who did not have cell phones exposure apart from during their mothers’ pregnancies are at 54% getting behavioural problems. Other studies show that technology brings children closer to each other more than before. They also allow teens to take photos, surf the internet, and maintain the calendar.

Children also suffer from other health issues when exposed to cell phones. They are more prone to any potential risks because their nerves are still weak and developing. For example, when their central nervous system is affected, they may have a negative effect on learning or behaviour. The brain is also affected. Ronald Herberman further stated that the head size also matters. Radiation from cell phones moves about 2 inches into the brain of adults, and it goes even beyond that level on children’s mind. Thus there is a possibility that radiofrequency emissions from cell phones may cause more health problems and complications in both adults and children. Besides, research conducted for a decade found that tumours that emerge in the salivary gland near the jaws or ears, place where cell phones are mostly placed, and they can be benign and malignant.

Parents should ensure that they buy for their teenagers’ phones only if they will adhere to the rules before texting or making their first call. Texting as the most common method of communication among teenagers can wreak havoc on teenagers’ lives. Texting also allows bullies to reach targeted victims with irritating messages. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, teenagers can share inappropriate photos and text, which can lead to social fallout if they shared and passed around. Besides, teens rarely communicate with each other face to face since cell phones have become the most vital means of communication. As a result, more interactions often lead to a negative effect on teen’s social lives depending on how they choose to use text messaging.

According to Stout, only 33% per cent of people talks to their friends in persons daily while the rest of 54% of people text or call their fellows. Use of mobile phones also affects teenagers’ friendship. The quality of teenagers’ interaction is being diminished without intimacy and extended face-to-face time. To date, social repercussions have centred on the darker side of online communications. Teenagers are exposed to cyber-bullying and sexually explicit messages which have changed the very nature of childhood friendship. Besides, Stout also states how the use of technology can also connect people. For example, Hannah says that she uses her phones to check on people and pass on things that might be interesting and funny. Some studies believe that texting and online communication make it easier for teenagers who are shy to connect with others. In addition, people also develop social skills through the use of phones with Apps such as Facebook.

The ability of people to focus can also be interrupted through phone calls and other incoming information. According to Anson, cell phones have made him missed meetings, and it has also placed him in a dull family vacation. For example, Campbell has suffered the effects of technology. He forgets his plans and dinner, and he also has trouble focusing on his family as technology changes so as the human brain does. People who are interrupted by emails are more likely to increase their chances of being stressed as compared to those who are left to focus. Stress reduces short-term memory, according to Gary Small. Besides, the use of a cell phone also causes addiction. Campbell checks her emails 25 times in a day, she becomes less focused on the things she is doing, and she even ends up burning food. Technology has also helped her to work from home office. Her work-mates engage in the online conference and other programs that help their company understand the clicking and buying patterns of their online customers, besides, they share images with the executive.

Parents can also put some measures and policies to ensure that they control the rate at which teenagers use cell phones. Texting should only be allowed after a predetermined time. For example, after homework and house-chores are properly done. Rules should be set in a way that texting does not interfere with sleep, driving, and homework. Teens should also be aware that their parents will not allow them to use cell phones to send or receive wrong messages and photos because once they have been sent, they cannot recover them. Parents should have access and control to the passwords that may be needed to unlock their children phones. Their phone contacts should be in such a way that they are organized into folders that are categorized into friends, school, and sports team.

In conclusion, Cell phones cause more harm than good. Various research conducted on the link between frequent cell phones usage and health issues has revealed that disease such as cancer, tumour, behavioural problems, and weakening of the nervous system is caused as a result of exposure to radiations from cell phones. Besides cell phones have also contributed to improved social skills, sharing of images or ideas, and it has also promoted connection between people who are at distance with each other.

Work Cited

Berl, R. (2014, March 14). Cellphone Use and Cancer: New Study Suggests a Link.

Matt Richtel, The New York Times. “Hooked on Gadgets and Paying a Mental Price.” CNBC.

CNBC, June 7, 2010.

Stout, Hilary. Antisocial Networking. April 30. 2010,

“Teenager Cell Phone Rules.” How To Adult, https://howtoadult.com/teenager-cell-phone-rules-

12266450.html.

Three Possible Health Dangers of Long-Term Cell Phone Use. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.naturalnews.com/024807_health_cell_phone_cancer.html.