Mobile phone: the most important invention of the 20th century?

Depending on who you ask, the mobile phone is either the greatest invention of the 20th century or the most annoying. It is undeniable that the technology behind the mobile phone is one of the greatest inventions and that technological advances make the mobile phone more and more an essential device.

Mobile phones have changed the world of communication. From the first call made in 1946 on one of the few portable telephones to any of the millions, probably billions of calls made today, the mobile or cell phone has changed the course of communication forever.

life day by day

Before the invention of the cell phone, people went about their daily lives in a constant state of questioning, even if they didn’t realize they were doing it. When a friend or family member went on vacation, he wondered if the trip had been made safely. When a child left for college, parents wondered if they made it through without car trouble. It is doubtful that people realized that they were always in a state of questioning.

The mobile phone changed the whole interrogation. Now, mothers can call and find out if their children reached their destination safely. Husbands could tell their wives when they were late.

If they weren’t wondering about someone’s whereabouts, they wished they had remembered to tell them something before they left their office or their home phone. Maybe it was to stop and pick up the kids or to go to the bank because the loan officer called. Whatever the reason, before the invention of the cell phone, they had to wait to see them and then send them back to fix the problem.

Mobile phones have made staying in touch over long distances easier than ever. For the most part, the cost of calling over long distances is much less expensive using mobile phones than using land lines. Many cell phone plans have free long distance.

emergencies

Cell phones have changed access to emergency services. Car accidents are called for by more than one person on most occasions and help can be dispatched to the scene faster than ever. The fact that an intruder cuts off the power or cuts the telephone lines no longer leaves the person isolated, they have the cell phone to call.

Cell phone service has been responsible for saving more lives than has been counted. If someone tried to put a number on it, it would undoubtedly be in the millions, simply by being able to contact help no matter where you are. Doctors can now stay in touch with their answering service at all times, making them more available in emergencies.

Mobile phones have become key equipment in search and rescue operations. Chances are high that a person who gets lost has a cell phone. The cell phone can be geographically tracked using GPS and navigation tools that are built into most new cell phones. There have been numerous cases of hikers lost in the woods only being found because of their cell phones.

law enforcement

This same GPS/navigation technology that makes it easier to find lost people also makes it easier for law enforcement to track down runaways or missing children. Most of the time, criminals forget that cell phones can be tracked. They leave invisible footprints in their wake for the police and others to follow. These steps, in the form of pings sent to cell towers from their phones, also become important in prosecuting cases.

In addition to tracking criminals, law enforcement now uncovers crimes faster than ever. The hesitant citizen who does not want to get physically involved in a crime that is taking place will call the police. This gives law enforcement an advantage in catching criminals.

Cell phones that include video recording can film crime as it occurs, offering evidence that is irrefutable in court.

business communication

Gone are the days of losing business by not being in the office. Today, businesses can close even while on vacation. The mobile phone has made the office open 24 hours in some cases. Being out of the office is no longer an option because most business people are tied to their office via their cell phones.

Technology has brought the office to the cell phone with the addition of smartphones and email over the phone. Documents can be sent, reviewed, and returned while on the go.

The other face

On the other side of the cell phone debate are those who argue that cell phones monopolize people’s time. With mobile phones, the workday never ends and time spent with family or friends can be constantly interrupted unless the device is turned off.

There are also security issues with cell phones. Drivers who cannot wait until they are stopped to have a conversation are at a much higher risk of having an accident. Using a headset helps fix the problem, but doesn’t eliminate it because the focus is still on the conversation.

Another safety concern that is still up for debate is whether or not they are bad for your overall health. Some doctors claim that constantly holding a cell phone to your ear can cause brain tumors. While the jury is still out on a definitive answer, it’s worth investigating.

Then there is the rude factor. Diners enjoying a quiet, relaxing dinner certainly don’t want to hear what’s going on in other people’s lives, and cell phones have done just that. Most people do not exercise proper phone etiquette and the buzzing, ringing, or tones of cell phones can be heard anywhere you go. The future

As technology advances in the options and features available in cell phones, they become more and more important for daily activities. Banking, paying bills and more can be done while you’re on the go and running errands. The cell phone has made downtime more productive. Parents waiting at school to be let out can do their banking or check their email at home.

Those who argue against them are fighting what appears to be a losing battle. They are not only here to stay, but they are advancing what they are capable of. Today’s world has been shaped and will continue to be shaped by the cell phone.