Cell Phones Public Places Technological Advances During

¶ … Cell Phones Public Places

Technological advances during the last fifty years of human history have given billions of people instant access to unprecedented communication methods. Individuals are no longer limited to letter writing and sending telegrams to convey a verbal message. E-mails, text messaging, video chat, instant messenger, and various social media outlets are all platforms for human communication in the modern world. One of the most significant communication devices to surface from the technological serge is the cellular telephone. Every individual with a cell phone has the ability to call any person, place, or agency at anytime as long as the individual is within the service provider's coverage area. The prevalence of cell phone owners has increased the use of cell phones in public places, such as schools, restaurants, and theaters, and their use in public is associated with both positive and negative implications. Some argue cell phones should be banned from public places because they are a social distraction, inhibit the user from being able to focus properly, and can cause safety concerns by interfering with airplanes and hospital equipment. Despite the negative impacts associated with cell phone use in public places, cell phones must be allowed in public for safety reasons, emergency scenarios, and to support the individual's right to personal freedom.

Only a few short decades ago, the thought of nearly every person on the planet having a personal, cellular phone in their possession at all times was an incomprehensible concept. As of 2010, however, the International Telecommunication Union reports there are 5 billion cell phone subscriptions globally (Parkes). Knowing the world population is approximately 7 billion, this means roughly all adults, and young adults, most likely own and use a cell phone. The prevalence of cell phones reinforces cellular communication as one of the main communication methods used by the global population. This has caused cell phones to be used not only in private residences, but in public places. Schools, restaurants, theaters, hospitals, airports, grocery stores, banks, etc. are all considered locations where cell phone use is, for the most part, allowed. Although cell phone use may be discouraged in a school classroom, or during a movie in a theater, it is not illegal for cell phone owners to use their devices in these public places. Some argue that cell phones should be banned from public places due to instances of social distraction, personal distraction, and can interfere, in some circumstances, with safety measures in places like airports and hospitals.

The negative implications of cell phones in public places create a strong argument, however, cell phones should be allowed in public places for reasons of safety, emergencies, and personal freedom. First, cell phones should be allowed in public on the basis of safety. Having instant access to a communication device is critical in situations where an individual's safety is at risk. Cell phones are critical to reporting crime, drunk drivers, road rage, and accidents. Crimes and instances that affect the safety of others occur in both private residences and public places. Banning cell phones in public places would inhibit the individual's ability to report crime and use their cell phone as a method to ensure personal safety. The large number of cell phones circulating the global population has also reduced the need for payphones to be maintained and available in public. The combination of banned cell phones in public (hypothetically) and the low access to public phones creates an environment where individuals cannot report crime and other safety concerns to the correct authorities.

Similar to safety concerns, the need for cell phone use in an emergency situation also supports the use of cell phones in public places. In case of an emergency, people who own cell phones should be able to use their devices, whether in private or public, to contact emergency aide. Emergency calls could be placed to contact the authorities in the case of crime, to report a fire, or for medical emergencies. Cell phones should also be allowed in public to help individuals navigate personal emergencies. For example, if a woman is pregnant and their partner is anticipating a call to report to the hospital for labor or delivery, the individual should be able to use their phone in public. Other emergency situations may include having a sick family member, contacting friends and family during a crisis situation, or parents waiting on an important call from their child. Most importantly, individuals with cell phones should be able to dial 911, or emergency equivalent phone number, at any time or place. People should be able to use their cell phones in public, especially during these emergency scenarios.

In addition to safety and emergency situations, the use of cell phones in public places supports an individual's right to personal freedom. People who pay for cell phone services should be allowed to use their device in both private and public settings. The use of cell phones in some public places is discouraged, such as in a school classroom, in a movie theater, or during a live performance, and individuals should defer to their manners and common courtesy practices in these scenarios. Individuals should respect their cell phone use and consider their setting prior to making or receiving a call, however, individuals still have a right to make poor decisions. Talking during a movie or in a classroom during lecture are also discouraged and frowned upon, but talking has not been banned in public places. People have a right to make decisions for themselves, whether it is answering a phone call or not, and must make their own judgment about cell phone use in public.