A Danger in Our Hands

What if using your cell phone could make you sick? Some research shows that cell
phone use can have negative and even dangerous effects on your health. Cell phones can
lead to radiation absorption, decreased sight quality, and mental disorders in users. Cell
phones use radiofrequencies that can be dangerous to our bodies. Studies show social
media and cell phones can lead to anxiety and depression. Decreased eyesight quality can
be derived from too much cell phone use. Cell phones also distract and cause many issues
and accidents. Many users claim it is an outlet and as a positive place to share new ideas;
however, the effects of using a cell phone can be devastatingly irreversible.

People around the world unknowingly use cell phones and dont understand the
repercussions that can come from it. Nearly two-thirds of Americans own a smartphone.
When purchasing a phone, instructions and warnings come in the package; however, hardly
anybody reads them. Some instructions from T-Mobile include, Persons with pacemakers
should always keep their phone more than six inches from their pacemaker. Blackberry
Torch includes, Keep your cell phone at least .98 inches from your body, especially the
abdomen of pregnant women and lower abdomen of teenagers. Apple iPhones include
similar warnings, To increase separation from antenna, located at the top edge, orient the
iPad in portrait mode with the home button at the bottom. These warnings are only the
beginning to the dangers that can come from cell phone use. As mentioned before, poor
eyesight, distraction, and mental disorders can all be effects of too much cell phone use.
This issue needs to be addressed to the general public and people need to take action to
stay safe and healthy.

Clear, reliable data shows the danger that too much cell phone use can have on your
physical, social, and emotional health. Evidence from the National Cancer Institute,
renowned optometrists, and psychological studies all point to undeniable issues with cells
phones. Cell phones emit radiofrequency that can cause cancer or tumors. Our eyes can be
greatly affected from too much use. Phones were not built to be stared at for hours, but
people still do it. Why? Studies also show how addictive and distracting cell phones can be.
Depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts can be traced back to too much phone use. We
need to take a stand and reduce our usage of cells phones to ensure the safety of ourselves
and those around us.

The National Cancer Institute, the nations leader in cancer research, has done
studies about the risk of the nature of how cell phones emit radiofrequency. Cell phones are
built to emit electromagnetic and ionizing radiation in order to function. When we use a cell
phone, some of this radiation is absorbed into us. Cancer.org explains what factors affect the
amount of RF waves: the amount of time the person is on the phone. Whether or not the
person is using the speaker mode of the phone or a hands-free device, the distance to the
nearest cell phone tower, the amount of cell phone traffic in an area, the type of phone you
use. Cell phone use can allow electromagnetic and ionizing radiation to be absorbed into
our bodies, which can cause cancer.

Optometrist from New York, Andrea Thau of the American Optometric Association has
conducted research on our eyes and the effects of phones on them. Our eyes are for three-
dimensional viewing, so we wind up over focusing as we strain to find a 3-D image on a
close up 2-D screen. This strain can lead our eyes to become blurred and permanently
damaged. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) has become a new disorder. Experts suggest
using the 20-20-20 rule. This rule says to look away from your screen every 20 seconds and
focus on a fixed point 20 feet away. Decreased use the 20-20-20 rule should help but not
correct the effects of screen time. Many credible sources claim that cell phones can be
addictive. CNN took polls that showed that 50% of teens fell addicted to their phones. Cell
phones are distracting and can cause accidents and issues. 10% of all fatal crashes and 17%
of all accidents that cause injuries were due to cell phones. Laws and provisions against cell
phone usage are being made to ensure safety on our roads.

Research has shown that there is a link between increased cell phone use and
social/psychological disorders. One study conducted by Baylor University found that cells
phones and the internet has led to a generation based on materialism and compulsive
conduct. Rocky Mountain University found that 22 percent of cell phone users described
themselves as heavy users, and that many people pay more than $500 per month. Dr.
Jeremy Spiegel, a psychiatrist from New York and founder of Casco Bay Medical, expressed
that cell phone socialization is skeletal and interferes or replaces interfacing with people on
a much needed social level. The University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine conducted a
study of the affects social media has on your mood. Dr. Brian A Primack, M.D. Ph.D., and a
research team polled nearly two thousand adults between the age of 19 and 32. The
participant spent time on a social media site of their choice. Those participants that spent
60+ minutes per day had high symptoms of depression. Participants who spent less time on
social media had fewer signs of depression. A depression assessment took indicated a
significant association between social media usage and depression. Using social media
makes it more likely for a person to develop depression.

Despite the research, many teens have reported that they see more positive than
negative in social media. Teens claim that social media helps them feel more outgoing and
less shy. Teens that feel isolated can share their talents and meet people that share their
interests. Social media is a great way to connect with friends and build better relationships.
Distance is not a problem with social media and long distance technology. Confidence and
feeling like your opinion matters are other positives of social media. Positive, empowering
messages can be shared at incredible magnitudes. However, cyberbullying and other
dangerous aspects, such as anxiety or suicidal thoughts, of social media can have lasting
effects on teens lives.

Cells phones can be very dangerous. Through studies, researchers have discovered
the negative effects that its use can have. Physical, emotional, and social issues can occur
with too much use. Cells phones emit radiation that can cause and progress cancer. People
are not educated on the dangers of cell phone use. Something we use every day has such a
grasp on our lives. It is addictive and can lead to injuries and mental issues. We need to take
time away from cell phones and media or else we may be permanently affected in the
future. Take action and share your knowledge to improve the health of yourself and those
around you.
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2017.

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Luxton, David D., Jennifer D. June, and Jonathan M. Fairall. "Social Media and Suicide: A
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Mountjoy, Paul. "Cell phones promote serious social, psychological issues." The Washington
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Sweeney, Brigid. "Got blur? Could be computer vision syndrome." NBCNews.com.

NBCUniversal News Group, 18 Mar. 2011. Web. 07 Apr. 2017.

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