By Alison Freese
Have we lost are ability to communicate with one another because of the use of smart devices? In today’s society many people own and use smartphones, gaming systems, and other technology. Smartphones and gaming systems have both good and bad effects on humans. Most young adults and kids are addicted to cell phone use.
How can smartphones be useful? Smartphones are very useful for things such as looking up a recipe, learning options available to users such as online classes and programs, communication, GPS, banking, shopping, etc. Many people in today’s society use their phone for these things. Smartphones are a very necessary item now in society. For instance, in school I need my phone to see if practice gets canceled, or to study for a test. You need them to get the best deal at the local grocery store, earn loyalty points or money back at your local gas station. Most people are pushed towards the newest phone or gaming system that comes out because they feel it’s so much better than the last. This costs hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
I believe the overuse of smart devices can have a very negative effect on people. It’s amazing how much time you can waste on your phone. I have observed people in restaurants all staring at their phone and not even acknowledging the other people at the table. At family gatherings kids will all be sitting and staring at their phones. There is little or no interaction. Are we losing the ability to actually communicate on a one on one basis? Having a spoken conversation is less and less common as people get glued to their phones. I know that I am very guilty of cell phone overuse, Snapping, Streaks, etc. have taken many valuable hours of my time. This has interfered with homework, sleep and basically taken me away from doing things that are more important.
Smartphones, if overused, can actually cause eye strain and pain when used. Smartphones can be very distracting to both kids and adults alike. Kids are distracted in class, adults are distracted at work. Even though it is now illegal, I think that there are still people who text or use their phone and drive. I have observed adults who are given the responsibility of driving kids, texting while driving them to events. Even some parents don’t do a good job at parenting because of smartphone use, and wanting to keep up with society. In the United States 65% of people are addicted to smartphones. Smartphones impact students, children, and adults.
What can be done? I think parents should limit their child’s smartphone usage to one hour a day if under the age of 13. If the student is in high school maybe two hours after school but always after homework is completed. Adults need to be mindful of their cell phone use and set limits for their own use and never text and drive. So keep in mind the next time you use your mobile device, of the good and bad things that happen because of them.
Alison Freese is a student at Lanesboro High School. She is one of eight area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its 21st year.
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