What would we do without a Smartphone or other electronic devices?

 Opposition Constructive-Smartphones/Handheld Devices Are A Necessity. 

Dian W. Robinson

Comm 1270  Eric Young

Who is our biggest threat?  Is it a phone or is it us? 

I agree with Adam Green that smartphones and other handheld devises are taking over our lives.  No matter where we turn, we see people with a phone either glued to their ear or cradled in their hands receiving and texting.  Smartphones used to be a luxury.  Not too long texting was expensive.  Now it is a necessity. Or is it?

I disagree these devises create a huge hindrance.  I contend that Self-control is the key with anything we do or not do in our lives. Just like anything else, we have the potential to abuse a number of our resources.  For example, if I habitually over-eat , I run the risk of not only gaining weight, but also losing my self-esteem, and, then I will need to purchase new clothes.

 Are smartphones a threat? When Dr. Jessica Grogans teaching psychology, one of her assignments required the students to go on a ‘media fast’.  She stated that many of them were uncomfortable and even showed signs of depression and anxiety.  She learned an interesting lesson from this assignment. Most of the students failed. She said a few felt more self aware of their surroundings. 

Now  if I were asked to go on a ‘media fast’, would I be able to successfully complete my assignment.  Currently, the answer would be no, because of my work demands. I love the instant access to my family and friends. 

These young people who have been raised on smartphones and other devices  feel isolated and  alone without the companionship of these devises.  To so many, it is their world.

Research was conducted by Phillip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland, College Park, where 200 students were unplugged from their cell phones, IPod, television, car, radio magazines, newspapers and computers, including no texting.A day without media

“The students wrote over 110,000 words in aggregate about the same number of words as a 400 page novel.  The students could live without their TVS and newspaper, but they couldn’t live without their iPods.”

You may say we have created a monster with the technological advancements,

However I contend this is one of the greatest blessings and miracles we have seen in our existence. 

I contend parental controls are absolutely essential.  Put away at a certain time of night. 

Our youngest daughter and her husband have four children and live on the Oregon Coast. They sat their children down and expressed a growing concern and agreed they would turn their phones off at meals and by 9pm all phones on the kitchen counter.

While we were back in New York last week, Our son, his wife, four

Children, our daughter, and husband and I were enjoying a meal at a local restaurant. Natalie, our daughter-in-law told the three teenagers to put their phones away!! They obediently did so, and their youngest daughter who did not have a cell phone, had a big grin on her face, because she felt left out.

Are you really a smartphone addict, according to –people really obsessed with the phones. If you’re not a smartphone addict, then I propose that smartphones are not only here to stay, but are not a distraction..  Since our devises are a critical element in the process of conducting business.  It becomes a necessity.  The question might not only be if he is texting in excess, or if he is  just bored?

I contend that the teenagers cannot live without their phones, and…why should they.  We don’t want them to feel isolated and alone.  Furthermore, it is a critical element in the way we conduct business.  In the educational process, and how we communicate socially, it is essential we need our phones, when we need them.