Depending on who you ask, the mobile phone is either the greatest invention of the 20th century or the most annoying. It is undeniable that the technology behind the mobile phone is one of the greatest inventions and that technological advances continue to make the cell phone an increasingly essential device.

Mobile phones have changed the world of communications. From the first call made in 1946 on one of the few portable telephones to any of the millions, probably billions of calls made today, the cell phone has changed the course of communication forever.

Daily life

Before the invention of the cell phone, people went about their daily lives in a constant state of questioning, even if they didn’t realize they were doing it. When a friend or family member went on vacation, they wondered if the trip had been made safely. When a child left for college, parents wondered if they made it safely with the car. It is doubtful that people realized that he was always in a state of questioning.

The mobile phone changed the whole questioning. Now, mothers can call and find out if their children reached their destination safely. Husbands could notify their wives when they were late.

If they weren’t wondering about someone’s whereabouts, they wished they had remembered to tell them something before they were out of their office or home phone. Maybe it was to pick up the children or stop by the bank because they called the loan officer. Whatever the reason, before the invention of the cell phone, they would have to wait to see them and then send them back to take care of the problem.

Mobile phones have made staying in touch over long distances easier than ever. For the most part, the cost of calling long distances is much less expensive using mobile phones than using landlines. Many cell phone plans offer free long distance calls.

Emergencies

Cell phones have changed access to emergency services. Car accidents are called by more than one person most of the time, and help can be delivered to the scene faster than ever. That an intruder cuts the power or cuts the telephone lines no longer leaves a person isolated, they have the cell phone to call.

Cell phone service has been responsible for saving more lives than has been counted. If someone tried to put a number on it, it would undoubtedly be in the millions, simply by being able to contact help no matter where you are. Doctors can now be in contact with your answering service at all times, making them more available in case of emergencies.

Mobile phones have become key pieces of equipment in search and rescue operations. Chances are high that a lost person has a cell phone. The cell phone can be geographically tracked using navigation tools and GPS that is built into most new cell phones. There have been numerous cases of hikers lost in the forest that were only found due to their cell phones.

Compliance with the law

This same GPS / navigation technology that makes searching for missing persons easier also makes it easier for law enforcement to locate fugitives or missing children. Most of the time, criminals forget that mobile phones can be traced. They leave invisible footprints in their wake for the police and others to follow. These steps, in the form of pings sent to communication towers from their phones, also become important in case processing.

In addition to tracking down criminals, law enforcement is now learning about crimes faster than ever. The hesitant citizen who does not want to be physically involved in an ongoing crime will often call the police. This gives law enforcement an advantage in catching criminals.

Cell phones that include video recording can actually film the crime as it occurs, offering evidence that is irrefutable in court.

Business communication

Gone are the days when a business is lost by not being in the office. Today, business deals can be sealed even during the holidays. The mobile phone has made the office open 24 hours a day in some cases. Being out of the office is no longer an option because most business people are tied to their office through their cell phones.

Technology has brought the office to the cell phone with the addition of smartphones and email over the phone. Documents can be sent, reviewed and returned while on the move.

The other face

On the other side of the cell phone debate are those who argue that cell phones monopolize people’s time. With cell phones, the workday never ends and time spent with family or friends can be constantly interrupted unless the device is turned off.

There are also security problems with mobile phones. Drivers who cannot wait until they stop to have a conversation are at a much higher risk of being in an accident. Using a headset helps with the problem, but does not eliminate it because the focus is still on the conversation.

Another safety issue that is still up for debate is whether or not they are harmful to general health. Some doctors claim that constantly holding a cell phone to your ear can cause brain tumors. While the jury is still out on a definitive answer, it is worth investigating.

Then there is the rude factor. Diners who enjoy a quiet, relaxing dinner certainly don’t want to hear what’s going on in other people’s lives and cell phones have. Most people do not exercise proper telephone etiquette and the buzzing, ringing or ringing of cell phones can be heard wherever you go. The future

As technology advances, the options and features available on mobile phones become more and more important to everyday activities. Banking, paying bills, and more can be done while on the go and running errands. The cell phone has made downtime more productive. Parents waiting for school to leave can do their banking or check email from home.

Those who argue against them are fighting what appears to be a losing battle. Not only are they here to stay, they are making progress in what they are capable of. Today’s world has been and will continue to be shaped by the cell phone.