Though useful, cell phones can have dangerous side effects.
Mobile phones have become a staple of communication in the digital age, but they can also hinder your lifestyle and become dangerous tools if used improperly. Information can be easily collected and spread through the use of cell phones, including when it's not the original user's or sender's intention.
Distracted Drivers
Using a mobile phone while driving has proven not just to be dangerous --- it can be deadly. A study by the "American Journal of Public Health" found that more than 16,000 deaths in car accidents from 2001 to 2007 were a result of texting and driving. Another study, by Virginia Tech, reported that the number-one source of driver distraction is the use of a wireless device. Psychologist Steve Yantis of Johns Hopkins University said that when a brain scan was taken of a person who was trying to listen attentively to a conversation, the part of the brain that controls vision was much more inactive than if the person had not been listening to a conversation. This suggests that trying to hold a conversation while driving leads to decreased visual abilities, making it harder to concentrate on the road.
"Sexting" and Its Ramifications
Sexting an explicit text or picture to a significant other may seem innocent but can actually have severe ramifications.
Teens are increasingly sending sexual and racy pictures and texts to their peers. Amanda Lenhart, senior research specialist of a PEW research study on texting and teens says, "Images are shared as a part of or instead of sexual activity, or as a way of starting or maintaining a relationship with a significant other." This can immediately result in strong ramifications if the recipient chooses to share the message with his friends. Sexting can not only cause damage to a teen's reputation --- some states are taking legal action against teen "sexting" with charges of obscenity and/or child pornography.
Invasion of Privacy
Since many mobile phones now have a GPS device built into them, it's possible for other people to track your whereabouts and find out where you are and where you've recently been. Law enforcement officers are using this feature to track suspects. However, the threat to cell phone users is that this information could eventually be obtained without "probable cause." Since this information can show somebody else what religious services you've attended or if you've participated in political meetings or protests, it could be seen as invasion of privacy. The other privacy risk is the camera component on many cell phones. It's easier than ever for a user to covertly take pictures of anything he wants, a concern in settings like a gym locker room or at a store where an employee has the chance to snap a picture of your credit card.
Expense
Owning a cell phone can be expensive, especially if you want extra features and services. The cheapest service plan for a cell phone offers a limited number of minutes, and overage charges can still be expensive. Having additional features, such as texting and the ability to surf the Internet, is an additional cost on top of your monthly plan. The phones themselves can also be expensive: Although a basic phone often comes free with your plan, you'll have to pay extra for a phone with more features, which can run you hundreds of dollars.
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