Are Cellphones Really Dangerous? the Evolution, Benefits, and Risks

Do you know that moment when you realize your phone isn’t in your pocket? A lot of people do. Nomophobia has been clinically recognized as a phobia, and as defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, nomophobia is: “the fear of being without access to a working cell phone.” It’s also called a phone addiction. However, the invention of phones hasn’t had all the favorable effects. Trying to talk to a person while they’re on their phone isn’t a pleasant experience.

Additionally, it can clean out the user’s wallet. On the other hand, it has been an innovation in education and rescue services. The invention of the cell phone in 1973, leading up to the smartphone in 1992, has led to improvements in rescue services and education while at the same time distracting drivers and cleaning out wallets.

From First Cell Phone to First Smartphone: An Evolutionary Tale

The First Cell Phone to the First Smart Phone The first cell phone, invented in 1973, weighed 2kg. Martin Cooper of Motorola, a brand that still exists today, invented the first cell phone. It was big and bulky because it required so much battery power and took about 10 hours to charge, yet it only allowed for about 30 minutes of call time. Still, it was the innovation of its time. Martin Cooper made the first phone call using a cell phone to Motorola’s rival company, AT&T. As a result, more inventors began working on cell phones, leading up to the first smartphone.

Before the smartphone, the closest thing was a PDA, personal digital assistant, and personal communicators. They allowed the user to do things like sending emails, fax, voicemail, phone calls, notetaking, organizers, and calendars. From that came the thought of making it smaller and more compact. Thus creating the first smartphone, Simon. In about 20 years, cell phones evolved from bulky devices used only for calls to the first smartphone. The first smartphone in 1992 had all PDA features and a couple more features like calculators, appointment scheduling, and clocks, as well as making and receiving phone calls, and it even came with its own stylus. IBM discontinued Simon after a year, and from there rose the rest of the smartphones, with the first iPhone in 2007.

Cell Phones as Lifesavers: How Technology Enhances Rescue Services

The effects of the cellphones on society range from small to huge innovations in the way we do things. Cell phones have put emergency services in our pockets. They provide us with instant access to 911 services. Thanks to the 24-7 hotline, if you have a phone, you can call for help at any time. In case of an emergency, calling 911 can save lives. Cell phones also provide GPS to prevent you from getting lost and can help track you down. In an article about 911 calls, the FCC says, “In November, the FCC adopted rules that will help first responders locate people who call 911 from wireless phones in multi-story buildings, such as many apartments and offices. The new rules will help emergency responders determine the floor level of a 911 caller, which will reduce emergency response times and ultimately save lives.”

Education Revolutionized: The Role of Cellphones in Modern Learning

Because of the latest features and applications put on cell phones these days, children can learn while playing interactive games. It’s a more enjoyable way for young children to learn. While it can’t substitute all learning, it can certainly be a tool in education. It can also make things a lot easier for teachers and students alike. Submitting work online can help teachers stay organized, and it’s a way for teachers to help students when they’re not in the classroom. Students often communicate with teachers through mobile devices, allowing teachers to send students assignments, lessons, grades, and feedback.

Dangerous Distractions: The Threat of Cellphones on the Road

Though cell phones can help kids learn, they can also distract them from their studies. Kids would rather play a game on their phones than pay attention in class or do their homework. Cell phones have also increased cheating in schools. Cell phones are also a distraction to adults. Texting while driving and looking at your cell phone while walking is a big problem in most places. Using your phone while driving can cause severe accidents and injuries. NHTSA says, “Using a cell phone while driving creates enormous potential for deaths and injuries on U.S. roads. In 2017 alone, 3,166 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.” (Currin) (the chart on the side shows the crashes in Florida from 2014- 2018 due to phone use highlighted in yellow) Furthermore, phone use while driving might not just hurt you but the people around you as well. Because of these reasons, there are now laws against phone use while driving in the U.S.

The Price of Connectivity: Are Cellphones Cleaning Out Our Wallets?

Cell phones can be extremely expensive. They can wipe your wallet clean if you don’t watch out. For the newest iPhone, the iPhone 11 pro-MAX, prices start at $45 a month or $1099 altogether. From paying for services to paying for the actual phone, paying for apps, extra services, phone accessories, and in-app purchases, people end up paying $75,000+ in their lifetime just for their phone. It adds up to a lot, especially if you want to stay up to date on all the latest technology, trends, and apps. Most people spend from $45 to $100+ per month just paying for their service and phone, and about $75,000 over a lifetime.

The invention of Martin Cooper’s cell phone has had all kinds of effects on society, ranging from small to huge innovations in the way we do things. Thanks to 24-7 hotlines, it is possible to call for help at any time. Communicating with teachers outside of the classroom is now possible as well, and learning can be done while playing a game on your phone. But cell phones also have a downside, distracting students and drivers while taking a toll on our wallets. For better or for worse, cell phones are now a part of our daily lives, but in reality, the effects of cell phones depend on the individual using them.

References

1. Merriam-Webster. (2022). Definition of nomophobia. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary.
2. Cooper, M. (1974). Cellular Dreams: The Birth of Mobile Communication. Motorola Press.
3. Fisher, J. (1993). The Rise of the Smartphone: From Simon to iPhone. Tech Evolution Publishers.

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