Diving into Cellphones’ Impact

Following the interviews we conducted with students at school as well as teachers and parents, we discovered that cellphones are considered very useful tools, so long as they are used in moderation. When they become too deeply integrated into our lives and used excessively, problems begin to arise. Many expressed concerns relating to cellphone use during face-to-face interaction. “When we go out as a family, cellphones must stay away from the dinner table,” informed one of the interviewees (Chantigny, Herman). Evidently, that is not a common practice, for cellphones can be seen everywhere we go, especially when it comes to restaurants. Furthermore, another interviewee mentioned the use of cellphones to alleviate oneself from “boring” conversations (Chantigny, Herman). It is so easy to pull out our phone if the conversation isn’t adequately engaging. “It’s become a habit,” explained an interviewee (Chantigny, Herman). The irony of the situation is that cellphones are to blame for our shorter attention spans as well as our constant need for new content and ideas. The fact that we are no longer able to simply hold a conversation with someone without getting bored or distracted is testimony to the impact cellphones have had on our lives. Numerous people also mentioned that they thought cellphones are useful only for making plans and staying in touch with those who are too far away to meet in person. Once our cellphone becomes more important than those around us, its purpose has been lost. Today, it appears the true meaning of social interaction has been forgotten, and cellphones have become the newest form of social connection. It is vital that our devices be put away in order to fully experience social interaction to its fullest potential.

Works Cited

• Chantigny, Herman. “Cellphone Usage and Social Interaction Interviews.” Interviews. Dec. 20 2017.