Cell phones continue to take over

By Adrienne Christensen

November 8, 2006 | Cell phones have become a huge part of our society. Not only has technology advanced but the demand for them has grown. It has become a way to ask dates out, a chance for friends to avoid face-to-face confrontation after a fight, and it seems when a person is in an uncomfortable situation, they pull out their phone. These phones are a way for us to stay in touch with and ignore who we want when we want. One thing for sure--we've come a long way since the days of the 1980s Zach Morris sized phones.

Tom Schmidt, a T-mobile sales representative, said the a main reason people use cell phones is for the feature text messaging. Texting is the number one overage charge in the Nation. It's easier to ask a date out, and if the date decides to decline, the rejection over a text message isn't as bad than it is in person,. Schmidt said. And it's even easier to get out of a date with a text.

He's right. How many of us have been too afraid to ask someone out? It's easier to have a couple minutes to think of a witty comeback to a message than to have moments to make one up on the spot and look foolish.

Just a few years ago, having a cell phone was not very common. Now teachers in grades as low as elementary school ask their students to shut off cell phones during class.

In some cases during a test, text messaging is strictly forbidden and you will be asked to leave for cheating if you are caught. In the military, locker rooms, and even some concerts, camera phones specifically are not allowed. There are even laws being created to prevent people from using their phone while operating a vehicle.

Cell phones have become so common that in 1995, the number of them purchased was higher than the national birth rate. People are even buying cell phones to replace their landlines.

Schmidt said, people are realizing the importance of being able to take a phone with them while leaving the house. In case of an emergency, it's crucial to get a hold of someone immediately and possibly save a life.

Business decisions are sometimes even made over cell phones. Being late for work or a meeting can now be fixed since a call from the cell can explain a person is running late.

Now tell me you haven't seen this. A group of teenagers, all on their phones chatting, rather than talking with each other. It seems more and more we see this type of anti social behavior, due to text messaging and making phone calls while waiting for someone.

Since long distance is often included in cell phone plans, they are less expensive than any land-line and much more convenient. They provide a way for people to keep in touch no matter where they are in the nation and without having to worry about the expensive long distance charges.

Not only have cell phones become a sort of status symbol for many people, (especially if you have one that cost you over $500) but some employers won't even call you for an interview if they know a number is a landline. The reason is they want to get a hold of them direct. They don't want to worry about leaving a message with a roommate, spouse, or parent. They want to talk to them directly or leave a message on a voice mailbox that is specifically for a person. Employers don't have to worry about giving personal information such as their contact information because future employers are guaranteed to be the only one who hears it. It's a security precaution a lot of businesses are now considering.

Anyone who is 18 or older is eligible for a cellular phone. For some younger people there might be a small deposit required due to lack of credit. If an individuals credit is damaged, a larger deposit may be necessary. In any case, getting a phone is always possible. Finding a store is easy since there are many authorized dealers at most malls, and even on the main streets of the city. There are many providers that allow you to run your credit right on the internet and order the phones you want without ever having to leave the house. Some can even sign you up over the phone. It's that easy.

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