Do cell phones create anxiety?

United States
December 2, 2012 4:24pm CST
In this day in age, everyone seems to have a cell phone. More specifically, smartphones. It is becoming more and more common for people to text rather than make a phone call, and its convenience driven. It's a lot easier to send a quick text to ask a question, then to risk the potential of a five to ten minute phone conversation. Texting has made everyone who owns a cell phone more accessible. Depending on the person, this may be the best thing since sliced bread, or to put it bluntly, a pain in the blank. It used to be, that when making a phone call, there were certain ethical boundaries. Such as, not calling during dinner hours, not calling during morning hours when someone is sleeping, and not calling someone during working hours. These ethical boundaries have almost become a thing of the past. Texting is so easy to do and doesn't produce an actual ringtone. A text tone is usually short and less intrusive then a ringtone. Because of this, people are more likely to text during situations that previously would have been completely unethical. Some of these situations, sadly, include; business meetings, weddings, funerals, religious gatherings, theatrical plays, musical concerts, etc. More importantly, however, is that because of texting, we develop a sense of responsibility of checking our phone, in fear of not responding back to a friend or loved one. Our phones become, essentially, attached to our hip. It becomes a habit to constantly check our phones and creates anxiety and sometimes a lack of patience for both the sender and the recipient. What do you think?
3 people like this
6 responses
@ZoeJoy (1392)
• United States
5 Dec 12
Sometimes we have to establish our own boundaries, even if society hasn't any such boundaries. When my family sits down for dinner, we have a rule - no phone calls and no texting. Our friends and family know this rule and even when they forget and call during our dinner time, they know that they have to wait. It is good to have instant communication, this I do appreciate. I also appreciate being able to contact my husband when I am running errands, etc. But, I agree, we have to establish our own boundaries.
@lkbooi (16070)
• Malaysia
4 Dec 12
Hi WEDroses, it's more handy and comfortable after I own a smartphone.Since then I don't have to carry the heavy notebook with me wherever I go. I prefer sending email to making call and sms, for mailing is free to type in area where free WiFi is available. I have saved quite some money doing this in overseas. My loved ones as well as my good friends know my hbbit very well. They don't blame me for answering their mail late. We will call the opposite side only in case something is urgent. Happy posting
1 person likes this
@rosekiss (30414)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 Dec 12
I do use my smartphone everyday, in one form or another, and if I don't have it with me, I feel lost, but not really have anxiety. It is the only phone I have, so I do try top keep it with me at all times, except for when I am charging it. I have had to run errands and not take my phone with me simce it was on the charger at the time, and I felt so lost without it, as when I am out and about, I use it for different things, like facebook and such. It is commonplace for people to have their phones with them, as I see them all the time when I am out and about. I know that others are like me and can't be without their phones. Having a smartphone, is convenient, as I don't have to be home to be on the internet. My smartphone i really part of my life. Take care, and have a very good day.
• India
21 Dec 12
Hi friend, you are right, surely cell phones creates a great anxiety if we hear a calling tone we are curious to know who is calling as well as we will get the same curiosity while getting messages. Most of the time we have our cell phone in our hands, in fact it is like one of our best friend which we keep forever.
@spicymary (558)
• Romania
2 Dec 12
This is an interesting point of view. I agree with your opinion, that anxiety is increased by this new responsability. I still wonder if this is good or bad, if this anxiety is horrible and intrusive or if it's just a price to pay in order to receive other kind of advantages. It can also reduce the anxiety of not knowing what happens, it reduces the waiting time for different type of answers. Certainly, our age is the age of anxiety, stress, fast living. To close your phone can be a luxury that a lot of people don't afford it.But it also gives us more freedom (if we are wise enough to use the opportunities for this) and knowledge. An this two makes us more humans, closer to our ideal, not necessary more happy. Your topic gives me a lot of thoughts and questions. I will sure think more in order to have a coerent opinion.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
3 Dec 12
Communication is important, but cell phones has taken over and technology rules. However, the human race has become addicted to this 'gadget'! Everywhere you look there are people busy on phones; talking, sms'sing, or playing games... It is so rude when a person is using his/her phone when in a company. Sad to say the human race needs discipline.