Essay Sample. Effects of the Cell Phones on the Millennial Generation

Today's society is surrounded by the newest technology, but who would have thought the cell phone would evolve into a major necessity. Although the cell phone has a useful purpose, it has developed many capabilities that are changing the way society functions. The use of a cell phone has affected many people's social behavior and it is creating many communication concerns. Cell phones have made communication, however, at the cost of personal relationships being jeopardized. All cell phone owners should limit, oversee, and be cautious of their cell phone usage. If people fail to do so, they could face consequences for their physical health, mental health, and interpersonal communication skills (Narag, et al, 74). The purpose of the article to back Sherry Turkle and Jean Twenge's thoughts on how the cell phones have and are continually destroying the iGen.

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Mobile phones have made a negative impact on people's interpersonal skills. For example, is it appropriate to break up with someone over a text message? Most people would think this sounds disrespectful and childish; unfortunately, many generations think this action is acceptable. Cell phones are falling into the hands of children at a young age, which is causing great concerns with each generation. Communication through cell phones has kept people from facing their emotions (Narag, et al, 74). Everyone knows breaking up with someone is extremely hard, but when done over a text message it can end communication instantly. You may never have to see, speak, or even be in contact with that person again. Cell phones act as a mask, and therefore, enable people to hide or avoid their true feelings (Narag, et al, 74). All these are indications of how our levels of empathic connection towards each other have drastically decreased.

Just as Twenge notes in his article, "Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?" lots of people are now dealing with psychological issues such as anxiety. For instance, when asked to make a phone call because unlike text messaging, you do not have time to sit and think about what you're going to say. If you can't say something to someone in person, what makes it easier to say it through a text message? Many people would rather text than talk (Morris, Amanda, 650). If we text rather than talk, we can have each other in amounts we can control. In the short term, online communication makes us feel more in charge of our time and self-presentation. Additionally, it lets us present the self we want to be. We can edit and retouch. When users decide to have a conversation over text messaging, they cannot convey each other's tone, emotion, or even body language. Messages are often misinterpreted which causes bigger issues and/or arguments. If the same conversation occurred in person the conversation might end a lot differently (Morris, Amanda, 650). Face-to-face communication forces a person to show their true feelings and text messaging normally takes that away in a situation.

Usually, when my friends and I are sitting around in a room, there should be a conversation filling the room. However, today it has become normal for every person to be on their phone and the room stays silent. Unfortunately, many people are unable to set their phone down, disconnect, and interact with the people in the same room. Out of habit, people check their phones every few minutes. Your phone may not have rung or dinged, but you have a necessary feeling to check it. Sherry Turkle discusses how cell phones are hurting our interactions. Checking your phone can cause disruptions in class, at work, on a date, at a family gathering, or even while driving (Myers, Kendra, 789). Constant checkers are more susceptible to developing stress because they fear they will miss something in the short time they don't check their phone. Those who let their text messaging become a distraction may perform poorly in school or at their job, and those who choose to text while driving have a greater chance of causing an accident (Myers, Kendra, 789). To help cell phone users disconnect, many individuals and families should consider making a usage rule.

Cell phones provide many benefits to our society, but too much usage can often be harmful and potentially even dangerous. Overall, cell phone obsession has contributed to poor communication skills and interpersonal relationships. Everyone should limit their usage and find time to disconnect from their cell phone now and then. Face-to-face interaction promotes conversation, emotions, and healthy relationships.

Works Cited

Morris, Amanda. Unwrapping Presence: The Impact of Cell Phones on Face-to-Face Conversations. Diss. Georgetown University, 2018.

Myers, Kendra. "How the Internet is Used by the Millennial Generation and Its Impact on Family Interaction." (2016).

Narag, Abigail M., et al. "Effects of gadgets to the interpersonal relationship of Generation X and the Millennial." International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences 7.2 (2018): 63-77.