"Get Off Your Phone!!"

Today’s technology has advanced to the point of broad accessibility whether it be in a classroom, workplace, or at home. However, this does not go without saying the definite cons to having a cell phone or any other device when in certain situations.


Educationally, teachers recognize that cellphones and other devices are good for in-class presentations, research purposes, communication between students and/or fellow teachers, and documentation. Despite these pros listed, it is very easy for students to get sidetracked in the midst of their work. With devices’ inclusion of social media, games, and entertainment applications, students are just a couple swipes/clicks away from being distracted.



Work environments have similar matters. Certain jobs often require internet access, where it is also easy for employees to stray from their responsibilities. In both cases (educational environments and workplaces), possible distraction from students and employees do not go unnoticed. School boards and companies sometimes restrict access to social media sites and entertainment applications ultimately steering student/employee focus back to where it needs to be.


At home, however, is a different story. While educational research, communication, and/or entertainment can still come to play, users can easily become attached to the point of sleep deprivation and lack of social interaction. In fact, according to a poll taken last year by the National Sleep Foundation, adolescents have been getting “less sleep than ever” in the past 10 years due to the increase of technologic devices.


Social interaction, although a big positive factor in these technologic devices, can also be a big negative factor for people. Social interaction has drifted so far from what it had been 20 years ago, where it was more common to communicate with others in person. Nowadays, people are given the ability to mask their real-life persona with a feigned online one.


These flaws come with the thought that these devices are going to keep evolving with the same advantages and disadvantages. Are cellphones and other devices a good aspect in our everyday lives? Definitely. Do these devices come with huge disadvantages? Of course.