Most people couldn't get by without their cell phones. They have become a modern way of life. They are used to communicate in emergencies, or just to chat and catch up with friends. Parents use them to keep track of their kids, and kids use them to stay in touch with their schoolmates. They have contributed much to society.



However, there is a dark side to cell phone use. There are instances in which cell phones are not appropriate or even acceptable. These are the times when people have to reassess their constant dependence on the devices.

For example, it seems that cell phones and driving do not mix well. Accidents are caused every day because people are too distracted by talking on their phones to pay attention to traffic and the road. Sometimes people will even reach for a dropped cell phone, in which case they are not even looking at the road ahead of them. Even those who use hands-free devices are often too busy thinking about their conversations to drive well.

Using cell phones while driving is being discouraged more and more around the globe. Other countries have laws prohibiting their use. In the United States, laws against cell phone use while driving are being enacted in many locations. If you don't want to face penalties, you either have to research all the towns you drive through or just not drive and talk on the cell phone at all.

Another time that cell phone use is not appropriate is on airplanes. Cell phones have been used on planes in dire circumstances, such as during plane hijackings. However, their use is prohibited as a matter of course. When you get on a plane, you will be instructed to turn your cell phone off.

This is an important rule to follow. It is believed that aircrafts have gone down because of cell phone use. Besides that, cell phones may be the culprit in detonating remote IEDs, or improvised explosive devices, from planes. This makes it even more important that cell phones not be used on planes.

It is impossible to completely prevent a third downside to cell phone use. That is the possibility that people can get information on you by means of your cell phone. People with radio scanners can get any information about you that you tell someone else in a conversation.

This could be very serious, especially if you are doing personal business, such as banking or credit card transactions. It is best to keep personal information to a minimum when talking on the cell phones in order to prevent identity theft. Even more than with land lines, it is important to watch what you say.

Cell phones are so popular that many people no longer bother with land lines in their home. They have gone totally cellular. This is convenient, and often less expensive given the right service plan. However, cell phones are still not perfected for security of information. They are not safe to be used while driving or on an airplane. Perhaps the future will bring solutions to some of these problems.