Most people have phones. They are everywhere. In fact, it's surprising when you meet someone who doesn't have one. But, a question has been swirling around since their invention. Are they a blessing or a curse? Do they better your life or do they take away things you didn't know you were missing?
Here are some benefits to having a smartphone:
-Communication. Phones offer a way to communicate at lightning speed.
-Photos and video. People use their phones for pictures and video and oftentimes have no use for a camera. Camera use has plummeted since every year the cameras on smartphones become increasingly sophisticated.
-Maps. Most people don’t use a regular maps to go places anymore because phones have GPS to guide you. Getting lost is a thing of the past if you have your smartphone.
-Alarm clocks. Most smartphones have a built-in alarm clock function. This saves you the trouble of having to set up an alarm clock. In fact, some apps are even custom made so that you can do a maze before it goes off so you will fully wake up.
-Convenience. Phones are overall very convenient in endless ways and help save time.
But what are the costs of using one?
-Distraction. Phones are often a distraction from important things,like school and friends. If you can manage your time well, this might not be a problem.
-Expense and responsibility. Phones are very expensive. A new iPhone costs over a thousand dollars. They are also very fragile, so if you aren’t responsible your phone will break. You may think that isn’t a big deal now, but you probably aren’t the person who is paying for it. But one day you will be.
-Stressful. At times phones can be stressful. Because they are such a big responsibility they can cause lots of stress. After a while you can become dependent on your phone like many people have, and you will be stressed when you are separated from it.
-Sleep problems. Lots of people are addicted to their phones and often stay up late looking at them. Put your phone out of reach when you go to bed and do something else to settle in, like reading a book.You might think, why would I want to do that? Well, phones are bad for your eyes and a single book is not going to give you endless new info. So you won’t be looking at memes till 3am.
Overall smartphones aren’t all good or all bad. Just like anything good, they come with a cost. Choose wisely, and be “smart” with your phone.
-Ashlynn Garza '20
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