Cell Phones: A Necessity That Is Changing Society - Essay Sample

Introduction

Today's society is surrounded by the newest technology, but who would have thought the cell phone would evolve into a major necessity. Although the cell phone has a useful purpose, it has developed many capabilities that are changing the way society functions. The use of a cell phone has affected many people's social behavior and it is creating many communication concerns (Narag et al. 74). Cell phones have made communication, however, at the cost of personal relationships being jeopardized. All cell phone owners should limit, oversee, and be cautious of their cell phone usage. The purpose of the article to back Sherry Turkle and Jean Twenge's thoughts on how the cell phones have and are continually destroying the iGen.

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Mobile phones have made a negative impact on people's interpersonal skills. For example, is it appropriate to break up with someone over a text message? Most people would think this sounds disrespectful and childish; unfortunately, many generations think this action is acceptable (Narag et al. 74). Cell phones are falling into the hands of children at a young age, which is causing great concerns with each generation. Communication through cell phones has kept people from facing their emotions (Narag et al. 74). Everyone knows breaking up with someone is extremely hard, but when done over a text message it can end communication instantly. You may never have to see, speak, or even be in contact with that person again. Cell phones act as a mask, and therefore, enables people to hide or avoid their true feelings (Narag et al. 74). All these are indications of how our levels of empathic connection towards each other have drastically decreased.

Just as Twenge notes in his article, "Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?" HHhhhHHHHlots of people are now dealing with psychological issues such as anxiety. For instance, when asked to make a phone call because unlike text messaging, you do not have time to sit and think about what you're going to say. If you cannot say something to someone in person, what makes it easier to say it through a text message? Many people would rather text than talk (Morris, Amanda, 650). If we text rather than talk, we can have each other in amounts we can control. In the short term, online communication makes us feel more in charge of our time and self-presentation. Additionally, it lets us present the self we want to be. We can edit and retouch. When users decide to have a conversation over text messaging, they cannot convey each other's tone, emotion, or even body language. Messages are often misinterpreted which causes bigger issues and/or arguments. If the same conversation occurred in person the conversation might end a lot differently (Morris, Amanda, 650). Face-to-face communication forces a person to show their true feelings and text messaging normally takes that away in a situation.

Usually, when my friends and I are sitting around in a room, there should be a conversation filling the room. However, today it has become normal for every person to be on their phone and the room stays silent. Unfortunately, many people are unable to set their phone down, disconnect, and interact with the people in the same room. Out of habit, people check their phones every few minutes. Your phone may not have rung or dinged, but you have a necessary feeling to check it. Research findings suggest that more than eight in ten Americans are attached to their gadgets on a typical day (Bahr, Katie & Fanning, 690). 86 percent say they constantly or often check their emails, texts and social media accounts (Bahr, Katie & Fanning, 690). Sherry Turkle discusses how cell phones are hurting our interactions. Checking your phone can cause disruptions in class, at work, on a date, at a family gathering, or even while driving (Myers, Kendra, 789). Constant checkers are more susceptible to develop stress because they fear they will miss something in the short time they don't check their phone. Those who let their text messaging become a distraction may perform poorly in school or at their job, and those who choose to text while driving have a greater chance of causing an accident (Myers, Kendra, 789).

To help cell phone users disconnect, many individuals and families should consider making a usage rule. In fact, the APA's survey states that 94 percent of parents say that they take at least one action to manage their child's technology usage during the school year, such as not allowing cell phones at the dinner table, 32 percent limit screen time before bed, and close to half of them (48 percent) say that regulating their child's screen time is a constant battle, and more than half of parents (58 percent) report feeling like their child is attached to their phone or tablet (Bahr, Katie & Fanning, 690). Unfortunately, the cell phone creates unwanted stress on families and individuals over time. Thus, for healthier lifestyles, it is important that people take the time to disconnect from their cell phones.

Cell phones provide many benefits to our society, but too much usage can often be harmful and potentially even dangerous. Overall, the cell phone obsession has contributed to poor communication skills and interpersonal relationships. Everyone should limit their usage and find time to disconnect from their cell phone now and then. Face to face interaction promotes conversation, emotions, and healthy relationships.

Works Cited

Bahr, Katie, and Allie Fanning. "Stop Hovering Over Me! The Effects of Helicopter Parenting on the Millennial Generation." (2018).

Morris, Amanda. Unwrapping Presence: The Impact of Cell Phones on Face-to-Face Conversations. Diss. Georgetown University, 2018.

Myers, Kendra. "How the Internet is used by the Millennial Generation and Its Impact on Family Interaction." (2016).

Narag, Abigail M., et al. "Effects of gadgets to the interpersonal relationship of the generation X and the millennial." International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences 7.2 (2018): 63-77.