Cellphones great but create addiction problems

By Megan Anderson

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The human mind is capable of many complex skills and emotions. Along with these positive characteristics come negative behaviors, such as addiction.

There are two kinds of addictions. Physical, which means the body depends on a substance to avoid symptoms of withdrawal, such as cigarettes. Then there's behavioral, where one feels fervently compelled to engage in a specific activity, such as compulsive shopping.

I believe there is a third type, social addiction - the constant need to feel connected to friends and the outside world at all times of day, evidenced by the global obsession with cellphones.

The mobile phone has brought a new age of on-the-go communication and instant connection to the outside world. However, along with these conveniences come a lot of drawbacks. The first being how it has changed social interactions.

Whether you are hanging out with friends or out to dinner with the family, the cellphone is always there to interrupt. At least one person is glued to a phone the entire time. They miss out on the conversation, or when they do join in, it's always a “What are you guys talking about?”

Even couples out to dinner can't seem to avoid the temptation. One talks on the phone while the other sits in silence, or, worse, they're both talking on the phone instead of enjoying each other's company.

This sends the message that who they're with is less important than whomever they are communicating with via cellphone.

Another issue comes into play during school and work. Kids let their phones sit on their desks as a constant reminder that they need to respond to a text, update their Twitter or finish that game of “Angry Birds.” It interferes with paying attention to what's going on in class and ultimately affects their learning. As for work, it's nearly impossible to be efficient when someone's mind is constantly switching between the phone and the task at hand.

Then there are the disruptions of cellphones in public places. I heard my first Lil Wayne song while waiting to get my permit at the driver's license station. The lady a few seats down from me had her ringer on high and got at least five calls in my time there. Not only are ringers disruptive, but so are loud talkers. For whatever reason, people raise their voice whenever on the phone. No one needs nor wants to listen in on personal calls while in public places.

Texting and calling also can lead to a lot of miscommunication. When talking in person, others pick up on our facials, gestures and tone of voice. They can tell when we're sad, happy or making a joke. When calling, the facials and gestures are lost; when texting, the tone of voice as well. A simple act of sarcasm can be misunderstood and taken to heart or words of sincerity can be overlooked.

Perhaps most important is that people are losing their desire and ability to communicate in person. We pull out our phones when we see someone we don't want to acknowledge. Another way people avoid interaction is by sending a quick text instead of calling.

A 2008 study by CTIA and Harris Interactive discovered that teenagers often text “to avoid verbal communication.” Getting a job, finding a spouse and meeting new people are impossible if we aren't able to communicate effectively.

I don't deny that I have a cellphone or that it hasn't been a great invention. However, does its negative influences outweigh the positive conveniences?

I believe cellphones have improved our lives, but we've also become too dependent on them instead of living in the moment and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

Megan Anderson is a junior at Cedar Rapids Washington High School. This article is condensed from an essay she wrote for a humanities class. Comments: mlanderson27@aol.com.