Anybody can use a mobile phone to answer the work and personal calls at any time or 7 days a week.
Does this development have more positive or negative effects on both individuals and society?
In today’s world, mobile phones have become ubiquitous, allowing individuals to be available for both work and personal matters at all times. While this can result in a decline in face-to-face communication, as well as heightened stress levels, I believe that the positives, such as flexibility and increased connectivity in emergencies, are more significant.
On the one hand, the 24/7 mobile phone availability can lead to a decrease in in-person communication. This is because families and friends can be conveniently reachable by phones due to voice calls and video calls, which are very efficient. Yet, if people choose their mobile devices excessively instead of physically going to a person’s house and checking up on them, both parties may feel lonely, as meaningful face-to-face conversations cannot be replaced and are crucial for human beings to emotionally thrive.
On a broader scale, another disadvantage could be increased stress. The fear and anxiety over being available to both colleagues and clients 24/7 can be overwhelming, as individuals may feel compelled to do so. After all, in today’s highly competitive job market, it can only be natural to act in this way. This constant urge to be available can disrupt important moments in our life, including family gatherings and meetings with friends, which could potentially lead to stress-related issues, such as mental fatigue or even insomnia. As a result, the general quality of life can be compromised.
However, in my view, the advantages of constant availability overshadow any potential drawbacks. One key benefit is that mobile phones can help individuals work remotely while maintaining their personal relationships. With today’s technology, it has become increasingly common for people to work online, which allows people to positively contribute to both their families and employers. This is especially useful for those who need maternity or paternity leave, as they can continue their work at their convenience at home while handling family responsibilities, thus highlighting the vital role mobile phones play in maintaining employment, familial connections, and friendships.
On a societal level, there are some critical public services, which can hugely benefit from round-the-clock availability. For example, doctors and police officers are usually those who work day and night, assisting the general public in cases of emergencies. Without mobile phones, these important public services may not be as successful as they are now. For example, there have been many instances when doctors helped people during emergency situations via a phone call, sometimes, even in life and death situations. Similarly, police officers brought criminals into justice often with the help of a timely phone call made by civilians. Because of these benefits, not only can people feel safer but also more cared for by the government, resulting in higher public approval rates.
In conclusion, being ready to answer phone calls from work and families can diminish face-to-face interactions, and cause stress. Nevertheless, I contend that 24/7 mobile phone availability can actually work for our benefit, assisting individuals and society as a whole by offering a work-life balance because of flexibility and public safety, making efficient public services.
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