The use of cell phones has dramatically increased in today’s society. Cell phones have revolutionized communication in the 21st century. The reason we check our cell phones so often is because of the convience that they provide. Whether you have a blackberry, android or iPhone, these devices allow us to access any information at the touch of a button. Even though cell phones provide us with such efficiency the amount that we are using them can likely take a toll on our health.
“Mobile phones use transmitting radio waves through a series of base stations where radiofrequency waves are electromagnetic fields that cannot break chemical bonds or cause ionization in the human body” says the World Health Organization (WHO). It is important to increase the distance of your cell phone from your head in order to avoid radio frequency exposure. For example, when talking on the phone, put it on speaker so that it is not pressed up against your brain.
The high frequency of cell phone use can have negative effects on our stress levels as well. The nonstop ringing and vibration from text messages can put someone on edge. Researchers have found that high phone use was correlated with stress and sleep disturbances for women. High cell phone use has been linked with symptoms of depression in men also. (BMC Public Health, Sara Thomee)
Cell phones can increase risk of eye vision problems. Staring at a cell phone for hours on end can effect your vision as you grow up. Screens on mobile phones are smaller than computer and TV screens, which means people have to strain there eyes more in order to see clearly while reading articles and text messages on their cell phones. Using cell phones much more than is necessary can be a dangerous risk factor for people’s health of all ages.
references:
http://www.oprah.com/health/Dr-Oz-Explains-Cell-Phone-Dangers-and-How-to-Avoid-Them
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/cellphones
http://drbenkim.com/cell-phone-dangers
This sort of freaked me out. I also posted about cell phone damage to users, mainly about the fact that they can give you brain cancer, according to WHO. Aside from your mention of eye problems being a possible issue, I came across studies that showed a link between risk of brain cancer in heavy cell phone users, which makes me think twice about using my phone as much. However, I take this study with a grain of salt as I don’t think widespread smartphone use (specifically) has been around long enough to have accurate or reasonable predictions about their effects on the brain.
This post is so informative and true. So many people today are so dependent on their phones because of how much convenience they provide for us. It is sad that we are so attached to these products and pretty much use them for everything. I didn’t know that radio wave frequency exposure was so high when talking on the phone and even keeping a phone close to your face when texting, using apps, taking pictures, etc. I should probably take some tips from this article because I feel when looking through pictures or reading things on my phone, I keep my phone very close to the front of my face.
WOW! Loved the article. My mom always tells me that my phone is not good for me. Although I love my phone and always seem to be attached to it; I believe cell phones are very harmful as well. They harm us socially as well as physically. It is certainly something us “digital age” kids should be aware of. Maybe we should start using our cell phones in moderation. Love the picture you added to your story it added flavor! Check out this article and picture a bit similar to yours, I think you might enjoy it. http://seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/cell-phones-wireless-devices-increase-risk-of-brain-cancer.php
I have always wondered what the effects of cell phone use were, but I never knew that there were so many! I thought the importance of keeping your phone away from your face was particularly interesting, especially when I found this picture that demonstrates how cell phone use can change the activity in your brain. That’s a scary thought, but our obsession with cell phones must have some consequences.