Since the arrival of smart phones, it is implausible to resist its temptation as it allows people to communicate and work all the more convenient. Granted its merits, the device is not without drawbacks, which is well asserted in many aspects. In this essay, we will discuss its pros and cons objectively and provide a subjective opinion of the invention.
On the bright side, smart phone is a boon to our social lives, leisure pursuit, and information source. Firstly, our relationships with families and friends are reinforced by new means of communication, such as texts, calls, and interaction via multiple media sites. In stead of having face-to-face meeting only, which is harder to afford nowadays, we can stay in touch with our friends and family around the clock with the assistance of technology. Additionally, people can widen their social circles because making friends online is easier than in real life. Kept posted on what is going on in others’ lives, people have access to more information. Secondly, the device diversifies existed forms of entertainment. For instance, social media site is a new avenue for everyone to express and share their ideas and viewpoints. Not only for leisure purposes, it gives people a chance to look at both sides of a problem and have a better informed decision. That the internet accessed via this electronic device works wonder across all board is undeniable. For instance, the use of Tik Tok, a Chinese sites for posting short videos, has been popular to people of all ages, which fosters a virtual sense of community and a culture that values every individuals.
On the flip side, its proliferation adds to the dilemma of modern Internet consumers, especially the youth who were born into the technology era. The first thing coming to notice is a drop in productivity in workplaces. Exchanging information via new channels provides notifications at the blink of an eye, exposing us to a humongous amount of work. With many tasks demanding immediate attention, workers are prone to distraction and hence a drop in productivity. Similarly important, children who are logged into the cyber space are at the mercy of anonymous attackers. Yet, due to the security, cyber crimes such as bullies are nearly impossible to track; therefore the good many dangers prevail. Lastly, heavy phone users often suffer from a high level of stress and loss of vision. They also have less real life interaction with people compared to when phones were not available. According to census, their statements are all but unanimous as 73 percent of Gen-Z teenagers surveyed say they do not have a close friend.
To sum up, despite being a multi-uses tools, phones put users at imminent risk relating to their mental and physical health, relationships, and work output. This prompts us look for solutions to contemporary drawbacks, otherwise, we should all return to leading a life without the screen.