Negative Essay: The Dangers And Uses Of A Cell Phone

“You know when that hotline blings, it can only mean one thing.” The phone is ringing. According to the Morningside Recovery Rehabilitation Center “the average American spends hundred forty-four minutes a day using his or her cell phone during a sixteen hour period.” At first glance this may not appear to be a great deal of time, but it equates to a total over four years out of a life time. Technology has made amazing advancements over the last decade and cell phones have revolutionized the way people communicate in the twenty-first century. With an estimated six billion subscriptions worldwide, cell phones have become one of the primary way people communicate today. Cell phones are no longer only used for just telephone calls and text messaging.

In the event of an emergency a person with a cell phone can be reached immediately. Yet, being able to receive a message or a phone call at all times can also have a down side. Receiving a phone call or text message during class, a movie, or while in a meeting can be an embarrassing distraction. For example, I have witnessed a professor confiscate a cell phone from a student for texting during class. The entire class stopped to observe the interaction and the student truly felt embarrassed. There are also times that using a cell phone can result in more than just an embarrassing distraction. Talking or texting while driving can be of great consequence, and this can range from receiving a ticket to being involved in an accident. There may be some people who would argue that using a cell phone while driving is as easy as walking and chewing gum. However, the National Safety Council (NSC) estimates "cell phone use is involved in twenty-six percent of all car crashes." The NSC also believes this number to be under reported. One notable incident that occurred in 2008 was the Chatsworth train collision. A Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific freight collided resulting in the death of twenty-five passengers. Moderating cell phone use during times such as these can save the user from an embarrassing incident or even save a