Modern Menace or Benefit?
Today life without a cell phone is inconceivable. I must be one of the few people I know who does not possess one. To many, this face 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 phones 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. 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 serious problem. Also cell phone have become the main cause 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 conduction had to stop the music. The audience wanted to kick out the owner of the phone. Although the cell phone is global menace, I realize that the gadget does bring some benefit. For example, during hurricanes and earthquakes, many people stuck under debris have been saved thanks to their cell phone. People also carry cell phone for personal security reasons. Parents concerned about their children's well-being frequently purchase cell phone for their kids even before they can read and write. 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.