Introduction
The new millennium has brought about vast changes in lifestyles due to the evolution of information, communication and technology. Innovations in technology have made it possible for more and more people to have access to gadgets which are more affordable and user-friendly. Almost everyone owns a cellular phone. This gadget makes them accessible to anyone no matter where they are.
Cell phone function is not limited to making phone calls or texting messages. Now, it has become an indispensable instrument to link people to other people and to available information. Everything becomes accessible at the tip of one’s fingers.
Since cell phones offer so many services to consumers, many people have become addicted to the device, often springing it out of their pocket several times in an hour. Uses of the device include texting, making calls, browsing the internet, being online at social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter, and using numerous applications installed in the unit.
It has become so useful in multi-tasking that people become dependent on it for the slightest need – from dispelling boredom by listening to music or playing games to keeping friends and family updated with one’s whereabouts, activities or thoughts, to researching for pertinent information online.
Body
It is because of this utility that some people regard their cell phones as essential to their existence. Personally, I feel the same way towards my cell phone. I cannot give up using it for all sorts of things because it has become an important part of my lifestyle. However, I do not consider myself a cell phone addict because I am aware of my limits.
I get to enjoy activities other than just being engaged in cell phone use such as having lunch with my friends or going to the theater. Cell phone addicts do not care for other activities as long as they are using their phones. Sometimes, they even miss their meals or dates with important people because of their cell phone addiction (Mokey, 2010).
I may sometimes over spend on my cell phone bill, and even forego some necessities because I need to pay it, but I know I could not go over $75.00. Excessive cell phone users may pay as much as $500.00 to $5,000.00 on their cell phone bill alone (Nauert, 2007: para 17). For me, that is the height of cell phone addiction.
Cell phone addicts allow their devices to consume them. They become obsessed with it and emotionally attached to it reasoning it holds a big part of their lives due to the contact list and important data it stores. If it gets damaged or lost, they become inconsolable, as if they have lost a friend (Mokey, 2010).
I can be sad and regret its loss in the event that I do lose my unit, but I can easily bounce back to my normal moods. I am not one of those who read all about their cell phones or incessantly talk to fellow users of the unit. I am aware that there are more important things to learn and talk about.
Conclusion
Although I must admit that cell phones have earned their merits as essential tools of existence in the new millennium, I do not subscribe to the idea that my life should depend on it. With the way technology is making cell phones more powerful tools by adding to its utility, I am wary of becoming a victim of cell phone addiction myself. Anyway, what’s a better way to reach out to someone than having that person with you physically and bond over a cup of coffee or a special activity you get to do together offline?
Works Cited
Mokey, Nick. “The Top Ten Signs of Cell Phone Addiction”, Digital Trends. 25 January 2010. Web..
Nauert, Rick. “Cell Phone Addiction?”, PsychCentral. 08 June 2007 Web.