Sometime back, I attended a family get-together where more than 50 per cent of the people had cell phones. What shocked me most was that a majority of the men had put them in the left front pockets of their shirts, right above their hearts. This shows that they are oblivious to the harm that comes from keeping a cell phone so close to such a vital organ.
It is now a world-known fact that cell phones are harmful for health and should be used as less as possible. Experts opine that they should be kept away from the body to avoid harmful effects. There have been many cases in Australia, USA, UK and other countries where people who used cell phones very frequently suffered from serious health problems. It specially affects the ear, mouth and other body parts, including the brain. Many people in the first world have sued cell-phone companies for health damages. Their plea was that the companies did not advertise the harmful effects of the use of cell phones on human health, as is mandatory for cigarette-manufacturing companies.
I am not against cell phones because they have become an essential part of our modern-day lifestyle. What is worrying is their unnecessary and excessive use. The tragedy is that our uneducated and in some cases even the uneducated lot do not know the hazards it poses for their health. What is needed is the knowledge that it should be used only when unavoidable. I have seen many doctors who keep their cell phones close to their hearts.
Our problem is that the cell phone has become a so-called status symbol. The race is also on to acquire the most number of cell phones, as well as the latest and the most modern. Last year, in June, in Lahore, I met a businessman who carried three different cell phones on his person.
My daughter, who recently finished her studies at the Sindh University, Jamshoro, also told me that the girl students would bring transparent bags when they brought their cell phones, to make sure it was visible to others. People even refuse to switch them off in cinema halls and theatres.
The use of cell phones is most dangerous and fatal when driving. People use them without realizing that this can result in a fatal accident not only for them, but also for the innocent pedestrians. Although its use while driving is illegal, the authorities seem to be least bothered.
AOne day, at the car wash, I saw the owner receiving explicit text on his cell phone. This shows the misuse of the messaging service. The cell phone has also been a boon for criminals. Now, when dacoits enter a house, their accomplices keep in touch with them from outside. In banks, when someone withdraws a huge amount, the man next in line goes to the washroom and describes the target to his accomplices waiting outside.
The cell phone does not have disadvantages only. It is very useful for parents who want to keep in touch with their offspring while they are in college, university or elsewhere. The cell phone can also save your life in case you are alone and have an accident or a heart attack.
The fact is that cell phones have become a necessity. But what is needed is their careful and proper use.
Sometime back, I attended a family get-together where more than 50 per cent of the people had cell phones. What shocked me most was that a majority of the men had put them in the left front pockets of their shirts, right above their hearts. This shows that they are oblivious to the harm that comes from keeping a cell phone so close to such a vital organ.
