One of the most well known effects of cell phones is the prevalence of automobile accidents. Talking or sending Short Message Service [SMS] text messages on a cell phone while driving is proven to be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol (Naik). A study by Virginia Tech Driving Institute revealed that those who resort to texting while driving are 23 time more likely to experience an accident (Naik). While this may come across as very surprising, studies also reveal that a person who is texting while driving at the speed of 35 miles per hour will cover 25 feet before bringing the car to a complete halt, as compared to a distance of four feet which a drunk driver requires to stop at the same speed. When comparing the two, it has been noted that although individuals may not be drunk, when they text while driving they are driving on the skill level of a person under the influence of alcohol (Naik)..
Another adverse impact of cell phones may consist of the environmental damages they can cause (Sedycias). Many people may not be aware of the potential damage to the environment that improper disposal of cell phones can cause. They say our world is our home, and we must treat it like it is our own. When improper disposal of cell phones take place, harmful, non-biodegradable chemicals are released into the environment.. Cadmium, a chemical in all cell phones, is significant enough to cause damage to one’s health. Cadmium is the seventh most harmful chemicals known to man, and it causes cancer (Sedycias). Most cell phones also contain lead which can cause liver damage in older adults and developmental problems for children (Sedycias). If a phone is not disposed of properly, these harmful chemicals can be in the hands of anyone and can lead to many serious health issues or even death.
Finally addiction is another major effect cell phones have on human beings. Excessive cell phone usage can lead to addiction, especially in teens. It also results in wasted time on compulsive communication with peers via text messages and phone calls. The main reasons cell phone addiction is so prevalent are rooted in advertising schemes. The cell phone industry is the largest single consumer market in the world; it is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy, and is one of the highest markets in the economy (Anderson).
Cell phones allow greater accessibility options in case of emergencies, gadgets, entertainment and other advantages. While cell phones are valuable and serve many practical uses, they can also have negative effects on wellbeing and the economy. With automobile accidents, environmental effects, and addiction being some of the most common negative effects of cell phones, humans today will continue to emerge their cell phones in their everyday lives.
Works Cited
Anderson, Beth. "Info on Cell Phone Addiction Effects and Cell Phone Addiction Causes." Addiction Treatments, Drug Addictions, Drug Addiction Treatments, Treatments for Drug Addicts. 14 Feb. 2008b. Web. 01 Dec. 2010. <http://www.addiction-treatments.com/addiction/Cell-Phone-Addiction/index.html>.
Brown, Susan. "History of Cell Phones." Http://www.tech-faq.com/history-of-cell-phones.html. 2007. Web. 1 Dec. 2010.
Naik, By Abhijit. "Texting While Driving Statistics." Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the
Web. 2009. Web. 02 Dec. 2010. <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/texting-while-driving-statistics.html>.
Sedycias, Roberto. "Your Cell Phone And The Environment." Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web. Web. 01 Dec. 2010. <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/your-cell-phone-and-the-environment.html>.
