There has been plenty of debate as to whether or not cell phones have holistically upgraded our lives. True, they have played a pivotal role in many fields. But are they really that helpful to society?

Despite the numerous criticism against these devices, people don’t seem to waver their support for mobile phones. In fact, as of 2008, there were about 304.7 million mobile phone units sold in the whole world. And that doesn’t even quantify the number of users, which are abundant in all countries. In the United States, 203 million people own and use cell phones. In Australia, the number of mobile phones being utilized even surpasses the entire country’s population. The influence of these inventions is extreme. As proof of this, they have already broken boundaries and transcended culture. Can you imagine what the world would be like if mobile phones were banned for their harmful effects?

Alzheimers and Parkinsons are just some of the diseases being attributed to prolonged cell phone use. But above these, the possibility of getting brain cancer is what most health-conscious individuals worry about their fascination with these gadgets. Mobile phone electromagnetic radiation is said to destroy the protein barrier of the brain and make it susceptible to viruses and toxins. Aside from that, it is also said to destroy red blood cells and cause hemoglobin leaking, which consequently harms the heart and kidney. These harms eventually manifest as an elevated blood pressure and a decrease in the body’s immunity.

On another note, the radiation being released by cell phones are also suggested to cause serious environmental problems. It even has the ability to ignite gasoline fumes, which can cause freak fires. As such, they cannot be used near any refilling stations. Mobile phone use has also been a major predisposing factor to car accidents. And according to a study, phone distractions while driving produce about 200 deaths and a million injuries every year.

Authorities do not question the relevance of cell phones today. But they do, however, express their concern about our excesses and carelessness. In this age of globalization, we cannot fight the tide. But we must know how to ride it, for it is the only way that we can keep our selves safely afloat despite the strong current. So instead of preoccupying ourselves with the latest model releases and its features, we should begin to enrich ourselves on preventive tips and the proper use of cell phones. By using the internet, we can gather enough intelligence to help us live a better, healthier mobile phone using life.