Smartphones: Advantages & Disadvantages

Smartphones play a significant role in our daily lives because of their multiple uses. We cannot live without it in this modern age as it makes completing our tasks much easier. It is programmed with multiple different applications such as a calendar, alarm, GPS tracker, etc. Like many other products, the Smartphone has its advantages and disadvantages and it is important to do your research before purchasing a smartphone.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a smartphone.

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Advantages

Privacy

With the invention of smartphones, you no longer have to worry about your messages and love letters being discovered by family members. Smartphones allow you to store and secure this information. Most smartphones are designed with a phone lock system; you can use a pin, code, or even your fingerprint to lock your phone. This prevents people from lurking through your private messages. You just have to ensure they don’t know your password by using a unique code.

Keep in touch easily

Your friends and family are just one message away. If you have an emergency, you can text someone and ask for help. You can travel the globe and still connect with your family using smartphones. You can capture those momentous life experiences and send them in the form of pictures and videos. Smartphones help to close the distance between people.

Easy access to your email and social media networks

Gone are the days when we needed a computer to reply to an email or log in to our social media accounts. Now, you can use your smartphone to do just that. This makes things a lot easier. You can check your email and social media networks with just a few taps.

Finishing tasks is easier

As there are apps for just about everything, you can finish your tasks a lot easier. You can do many things on the go. For example, you can order food while you are on the train coming home from work with just a few taps. If you like and want to purchase a particular product, however, there is not a store nearby, you can order it online. You can use your phone to write down notes, work reports, create to-do lists or grocery shopping lists, and so many other things.

GPS

Your smartphone can act as a GPS device. Many great navigation apps will help you find your desired location with ease. Whether you are a driver or a pedestrian, you will get directions, so you won’t have to ask people how to get somewhere. Many of the apps also alert you of places with traffic jams, so this can help you avoid the jam and arrive to your destination faster.

Entertainment

If you have read the points we listed above, you can conclude that smartphones are super useful. But it's not just that. Sometimes, we need to relax and have some simple fun. You can use your smartphone to watch funny videos, listen to music, or play your favorite games.

Find something to do

If you are out with friends or in some foreign city and are unsure what to do next, your smartphone can help you find some fun activities. You can connect to Wi-Fi or mobile internet and find an interesting coffee shop, museum, city attraction, restaurant, etc. Moreover, you can check what that place is offering, the prices, the services, read the reviews, etc.

Disadvantages

Privacy endangered

If your phone is stolen then the information will no longer be private. It is very important that you lock your phone and deactivate it. You can report that your phone is lost to your service provider and it will be deactivated. We use our phones to make online transactions and sometimes, this information is saved. If you are not careful someone may be able to access your personal information.

Distraction

You can be easily distracted by your smartphone. You have to be careful as accidents can occur. If you are driving, then put your phone away and concentrate. Do not risk your life with these handheld devices.

Social etiquette is another concern. Many organizations will request minimal use of cell phones as people tend to lose their concentration when they hear a phone ringing or when someone steps out to take the call. If you are in an important meeting, remember to put your phone on silent. Also, it can be disrespectful when someone is talking to you and you are paying more attention to your phone.

Health issues

There are some discussions on whether cell phones can cause health issues. Most cell phones emit radiofrequency energy that can be absorbed by tissues in the body. To eradicate these possibilities, it is advised that you limit the use of mobile phones.

Sleep deprivation is also associated with heavy cell phone use. You need to rest your body so try not to stay up late at night on your phone. You are interfering with the rest your body needs. Smartphone overuse can even damage your eyes as phones give off HEV light that is damaging to the retina.

Addiction

There are interesting games and social websites that can lead to addiction. Many people wake up in the morning and check their phones first. Are you one of them? Yes, that is how important our smartphone has become. It is the first thing we look at before we tell those around us a pleasant “Good morning.”

Wrapping up

Cell phones have unlimited benefits and some of us cannot function without them. Always bear in mind that there are negative effects associated with the extensive use of cell phones. To be safe, use it in moderation and at the appropriate time.