Phones have become a necessity in modern day society, making us practically dependent on them for most things. They are a tool for us to communicate and connect with anyone from anywhere around the world and so much more. Perhaps they use us as well...

I would consider myself a skeptic. I am a careful person, from the people I share my trust with to places and events I decide to attend. I am always thinking about the consequence at hand. However, I was 14 when I got my first iPhone. I was at an age where I was less careful, where anxiety was more so fleeting than something that constantly harbored over my thoughts. The older we get, the more things we understand and notice.

My sister was watching Shane Dawson's newest conspiracy theories video, "Investigating Conspiracies with Shane Dawson" over the weekend. I had gotten back from a long shift at work, tired and ready to retreat to my room. I then heard something coming from the video she was watching. One of Shane's friends had called his mom and had said, "Oh it's my mom.", answered it, and said "Hello?". His mother then asked, "Are you mocking me?" because she had heard him say "Oh it's my mom." - something he had said, again I'll reiterate, prior to answering the phone. That's when the video piqued my interest and I decided that sleep would just have to wait a bit longer.

Basically, Shane reveals the theory that the smartphone is constantly listening to all conversations, constantly seeing everything the user is doing, constantly recording. Every second of every day, the microphone is on - as is the camera. At least that's the theory. Apple released a statement some time ago claiming that there was a glitch in facetime that would allow you to hear what someone was saying prior to them answering it, but that they would fix it immediately with the new software update. They also released a statement about live photos, saying that they record 1.5 seconds prior and after the photo is taken. This leads to the question, though, of how would the phone know to capture and record 1.5 seconds prior to you even hitting the button to snap a picture?

Having our devices listening to us is not something unheard of. For years, webcams have been hacked. It is certainly not a new danger. If the phone is listening, watching, it is to cater to you in every which way it possibly can. It's a terrifying thought, yes, but it is also just that - a thought. Personally, it would not surprise me if someone were able to prove this theory true. What do you think? Do you believe in this theory or do you believe that all this can be explained by a simple glitch or technology that's just that advanced? You decide.