Some people say that texting is for the youth, but as it becomes increasingly popular, more of the “older” generation has been picking up the trend.
Students use texting to communicate with their parents, friends, coaches, and peers. Adults use it to keep track of their child, talk with friends, and talk with other parents about work and events. Even children middle school-aged and younger have cell phones now.
Most cell phone providers will not sell a plan without some form of text messaging package included. We pay the high fees and penalties for text messaging because the cell phone companies say we have to.
Texting is everywhere we look. People text message while walking across the street, sitting at a stoplight, waiting for their meal at a restaurant, and even while driving down the highway. What happened to talking on the phone? Not only is text messaging unpersonal, it can be extremely inconvenient at times and can lead to some serious side effects.
Has our society taken it too far? Teenagers send out over 14,000 text messages per month. Studies have shown that the amount of text messaging people do can and probably will lead to carpal tunnel and decreased eyesight from constant screen viewing. Because of the radio-frequency (RF) waves used by mobile phones, there are increased risks of brain tumors. Doctors recommend reducing the amount you use your cell phone for calling and texting, and if that is not possible, to use hands-free devices.
Also, some suggest to keep your cell phone away from your head while you sleep, so RF waves are not coming into contact with you while you sleep.
Other side effects from cell phone use include acne breakouts from the oil and germs that collect on your cell phone being transferred to the skin on your face when you talk on the phone. It is recommended that you hold the phone away from your skin when you talk on the phone. People with pacemakers should not store their phones in their chest pocket or near the pacemaker. Although there is no conclusive evidence yet, studies are being done to make sure the RF waves do not interfere with pacemakers.
If not because of the possible medical conditions, cell phones are dangerous in cars. Studies suggest that texting and driving is more dangerous than driving under influence. The driver is distracted and it takes 70 more feet to brake while texting and driving than for the extra four feet it takes for someone legally drunk at .08 to brake.
Cell phones are a great form of communication as long as they are used appropriately and at appropriate times.
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