The cell phone is the most effective and widespread piece of technology in the world today. This is despite the slow growth in the first years when it was introduced. It is a must-have gadget that keeps people connected to what is happening outside their environment all the time. Cell phones are getting more powerful than standard computers, making them more widespread than PC.
Today hybrid cell phones boost faster processors, dedicated operating systems, large memory storage capability, digital cameras, MP3 players, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), video players, and alarm clocks. (Pollitt) These features make a cell phone a powerful tool, that is not just for making calls, but extends our lives into the world. Micro storage devices in hybrid cell phones enable one to carry personal information everywhere around the world. The important moment cannot just pass away, as the cell phone camera will enable a person to take a high-quality digital photo for personal use.
High-speed data access capability is one of the central features of hybrid cell phones that enable people to increase their influence over others. With a hybrid cell phone, one can surf the web, read and send emails, shop online, submit or receive official and business documents. The latest addition is a hybrid cell phone with GPS navigation capability, released recently by Garmin Company under the brand name Nuvifone. (Malykhina)
Cell phones usages have many unforeseen effects on people’s health, and privacy. Increased reliance on the cell phone for carrying personal information and for business transactions exposes a person to hackers, who can easily steal private information, contacts, and photos. These make cell phones unsafe especially when dealing with sensitive information. (Malykhina)
There is a growing concern in regards to the possible hazardous effect of electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones on the health of users. Although health studies are not conclusive, scientist suspects that cell phones, just like laptops and other portable electronics, could lead to brain cancer and migraines. (BioPro Technology)Another issue of concern is the fact that technology, in this case, integrated into one device, the cell phone, has become part of the fabric of our lives, influencing us very profoundly. According to Russell Pollitt, cell phones and related technologies “influences and shapes our attitudes, views and interaction with the world” These may lead “to regression in certain areas of our lives” in the future. (Pollitt)
Cell phones have become more powerful and the most widely used gadget in the world. Hybrid cell phones integrate digital cameras, video players, and PDA. Their capability to serve the web, send emails, and perform most tasks that were traditionally done by a computer has enabled people to extend their life into the world. Despite the positive effects, these hybrid devices present unforeseen challenges to people’s privacy and health. These include the fact that hackers can easily access and steal private information from a cell phone. There is also a growing concern in regards to the effect of the harmful radiation emitted by cell phones on user’s health.
Works Cited
BioPro Technology. “Effects of Cell Phone”. Web.
Malykhina, Ellena. “Garmin Adds A Cell Phone To Its GPS Device.” 2008. The Business Value of Technology. Web.
Pollitt, Russell. “Gadgets in daily life – extensions or amputations.” 2007. The Jesuit Institute. Web.