Today life without a cell phone is inconceivable. I must be one of the few people I know who does not posses one. To many,this fact causes surprise and even indignation: “You don’t have a cell phone ?” It’s as if I were an alien. The way I see it,cell phone are more of a nuisance than a benefit to society.
First ,they actually reduce social interaction and communication. I have seen groups of teenagers hanging out,and each one is glued to a cell phone. The teens simply don’t talk to one another. Then there are those people who film the most unpleasant scenes and post them on the Internet. That can lead to cell phone abuse,which is another seious problem.
Also cell phone have become the main cuase of distraction for drivers. Many countries have banned their use for drivers-for a good reason. Drivers are unable to focus on the road,and,as a result,they have less concentration and slower reaction time. They put themselves,their passengers,and others at risk.
In my opinion, the most annoying problem is the use of cell phone in public places. Some time ago,during a New York Philharmonic concert,a telephone went off near the end of Mahler’s Ninth Symphony.The marimba ring tone began to compete with the orchestra. The cell phone rang so loud that the conductor had to stop the music. The audience wanted to kick out the owner of the phone.
Althougt the cell phone is a global menace, I realize that the gadget does bring some benefits. For example,during hurricanes and earthquakes,many people stuck under debris have been saved thanks to their cell phone for personal seculity reasons. Parents concerned about their children’s well-being frequently purchase cell phone for their kids even before they can read and whrite
In my case, I’d rather not have those benefits. I’m quite happy to live without a cell phone,and be free from constant annoyance.