The Dangers of the Cellular Phone

            The cellular phone first found on television in the mid-1960s, first on “Get Smart” then on “Start Trek”. Then in the 1970’s the technological revolution took hold and many devices seen on TV started becoming reality. Initially, it was just a phone. But as time progressed, more and more things were added to the device. It became among other things, a game console, a camera, a computer using Word and Excel and many more things. In other words, it became an item that is about the most important thing in our lives. It became a way to instantly stay in touch with everyone immediately. Further, it became a toy and a terrible distraction.

            You constantly hear about people walking in the street on the phone. They are so immersed in the phone that they forget where they are and where they are going. They step off the curb in front of an oncoming vehicle.

            People have their device turned on and forget to turn them off. They go to a movie, a Broadway show, or some other place where they are told to turn them off. But they don’t and the phone rings (and I use that loosely with the multitude of ringtones) at the worst time, disturbing everyone nearby, as well as the actors on stage.

            Texting is a quick way of staying in contact with a quick message. Yet when people do it when walking or driving, people get hurt or die.

            The same goes for the camera. When told there is no photography, they still take pictures when and where they should not.

            There are many other instances where this device has become a distraction, none more than getting in the way of social interaction. Young people especially have their noses so far into these appliances that they do not spend as much time with family members or anyone else. They do not know how to act with each other. Even my wife spends so much time with the smartphone that she is constantly recharging it.

            As I said, the cellular phone has become so important in our life that it is and indispensable piece of equipment. But at the same time, it is used to often that it has become a distraction and a danger to life and limb. People need to remember their priorities and use it safely.