Are you the type of person that can’t live without their phone to the point where they feel “naked” without it, or are you the type of person that really doesn’t care if they leave their phone behind at home?

Personally, I am the type of person that always has their phone on them and most likely a back up battery for when it dies, but I am looking to change that.

Today we live in a society where everyone becomes so dependent on the phones and where the nearest free Wi-Fi location is. In NYC the city has established hubs where you can connect to Wi-Fi and charge your phone in the middle of the street and Starbucks is introducing wireless charging while you consume your beverage or food. These two things alone show you just how dependent people are on their devices. Which user are you?

PROS

1.Communication

Communication is a very big pro to the cell phones today and how easy it is to make a phone call or get a hold of someone. For example, Apple has now made it so you no longer need phone service to send a text message or call someone. All you need is Wi-Fi and you will be all set.

Another thing is the multiple apps people with iPods can use to contact someone that doesn’t have a phone, such as apps like Skype, Telephone and Line. These work by connecting to wifi and using your wifi signal to make phone calls The same things go for Android and other smartphones.

2. Sharing things with others

Through many ways its has now been very easily for people to share their favorite things with family and friends. For example, if I am scrolling through Facebook and see a picture I enjoy I can save that picture by holding it down and then text it to whom I want to receive it. Not only is it very simple to do but very user friendly and made for people of all ages to understand.

Another thing is smartphones have now been given the capability to even share your location with family and friends. Such as Find My Friends app, with this app you can see where your family and friends are and it can give you directions to where they are. This may sound scary at times but is very useful in the end.

CONS

1.Distraction

Smart phones today are becoming a huge distraction to many people and can be deadly at certain times. It is illegal to call or text and operate a motor vehicle due to all the accidents phones have caused. This went in to effect on November 1, 2015 when congress passed the bill. These accidents have been major and deadly and have taken many people lives.
Everyday I see people trip on things and walk into things because they are too consumed on their phones.

2.Cyber bullying

Believe it or not cyber bullying is at an all time high due to smartphones and all of the social media apps such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. These are only the three major ones and there are plenty more out there. When people put others down behind a screen they feel more powerful and can be very hurtful. The rate of cyber bullying has tripled in the last year and a big impact is smartphones says TeenSafe Network. Allowing people to do this is not good and really can hurt people.

As you can see there are many Pros and Cons of cellphone usage in todays society. These are only a few of both sides and there are many more too both. So remember, next time when crossing the street look up. And next time, send someone a positive text message instead of lowering their self-esteem.