The invention of mobile phones, their upgrades to high-end smart-phones with many popular and fascinating features, their easy availability in the consumer market and their affordability have ensured that almost every person we meet on the streets can afford to carry a cell phone. With more and more companies providing connections and SIM cards at extremely affordable rates, almost every person tries to get hold of it. Cell phones are indeed one of the greatest and most useful inventions of mankind. Cell phones help people to stay in touch with others even in different corners of the world. They come equipped with web cameras, audio and video recorders, mobile gaming, PDA, internet, video and music players etc.
But there is another darker and graver side to the story too. Widespread use of cell phones has made way for its rampant misuse too, especially by the youth, anti-social elements, terrorists and other criminals. Camera phones, that come with MMS enabled facilities are used to take unauthorized explicit photos, shoot pornographic videos etc. and spread them. Moreover, since SIM cards can be easily available and there is no proper facility for fool-proof checking of one’s records, these phones are being misused by terrorists for various activities.
The young generation is so engrossed in sending SMSes, talking over the phone and spending most of their time in the virtual world that in the real world they are gradually becoming ill-equipped and repressive. This leads to communication problems and also cause disturbances as one is always busy texting and receiving texts.
When you use a cell phone while walking through the road, you may not see a vehicle coming close to you and since its use in public places increases the reaction time, you may not get time to move away from danger. Mobile phone use while driving may cause accidents as cell phone conversation distracts the driver’s attention, increases reaction time and reduces visual field attention.
Use of mobile phones in gatherings, meetings, entertainment places etc. disturb others. Imagine, you are in a public place trying to concentrate on something or in serious discussion with your friend or enjoying a peaceful moment, when suddenly a stranger starts talking loudly on his cell phone. Your concentration breaks or your conversation ends or your peaceful moment is disturbed, you become a victim of cell phone abuse. You get irritable or annoyed with the caller. With increased use of camera phones and multimedia facilities, cyber crimes such as fraud, theft and forgery are increasing.
We should educate our children to use cell phones moderately. Mobile phones are both a boon and a bane. It is up to us to use them responsibly and make them a boon for the rest of our lives.
Dr (Mrs) Archana Bharat
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