Mobile Phones: 10 Advantages and 10 Disadvantages of Mobile Phones
What is a Mobile Phone? A mobile phone is a portable telephone that has access to a cellular radio system. This enables the phone to take calls, send texts, and access the internet (and more!) without it being physically attached to a network using cables.
In this way, a mobile phone is significantly different from traditional land line phones. Ever since they were first introduced in 1973 by Motorola, mobile phones have occasioned a significant amount of debate.
Below, we sum up the current status quo of this debate by listing 10 advantages and 10 disadvantages of mobile phones.
Top 10 Advantages of Mobile Phones
- They are convenient.
It’s great being able to call a friend when you are out and about – without being tied to a land line.
- They can be life savers.
Taking a mobile phone with you when you go hiking is a basic safety precaution. If you lose your way or get stuck in bad weather, your mobile phone could just save your life.
- Staying connected.
There is no need to feel lonely when you have a mobile phone in your pocket: just connect with friends via text, FaceTime, voice calls or social media.
- Fun and games
These days, mobile phones are loaded with all kinds of fun games. We all remember Nokia Snake, but more recently people have got way more into challenging their brains with Sudoko or whiling away the time during a long commute with a game of Candy Crush Saga.
- Your mobile keeps you informed.
Whether you are searching for that Spanish word you read in the newspaper or reading some articles on a topic close to your heart, mobiles that are connected to the internet are a treasure trove of information.
- Getting snap happy
Sophisticated cameras mean that you can take professional quality photos on your humble cell phone.
- Knowing where you are
GPS technology enables you to pinpoint yourself on a map no matter how lost you are. Just fire up your phone to see your position and create a route to your destination.
- A handy torch
Turn on the flashlight function on your mobile to find your keys in your purse as you step off the bus, or to locate the candles when there’s a blackout in your house.
- A recording device
Record the dawn chorus or your friends singing you happy birthday – all on your mobile phone.
- A fashion statement
Owning the latest cellphone technology, and decorating it with cute phone covers, is a great way to mark yourself out as a style icon.
Top 10 Disadvantages of Mobile Phones:
- Distraction
It’s so hard to work when your phone is tempting you to pick it up.
- Interruption
You’re trying to have a romantic date and yet are plagued by incessant calls and texts.
- Cost
That contract costs, WHAT, now?
- Dependency
It is easier than you might think to become addicted to your mobile phone, and so dependent on it that you forget to communicate in real life.
- Isolation
It’s ironic, but some people feel that the cellphone (which is designed to keep people connected) can actually drive us further apart. Have you ever seen a group of friends at a restaurant, looking down at their phones instead of each other? That.
- Security issues
If someone taps in to your data they could steal your identity, pilfer your photos, and erase your contacts list.
- The temptation to call your ex late at night
No explanation needed here
- Eyesight issues
Hunching over your phone screen for hours in the dark can strain your eyes.
- RSI
Tapping constantly at your phone can lead to repetitive strain injury (RSI) in your fingers.
- Nostalgia
Some of us are just nostalgic for a good old chat on the landline.
Conclusion
Used wisely, a mobile phone can be a lifesaver that enhances your social life.
