Dear Friend,
I understand that you are in love with your cell phone but did you know that cell phones are responsible for many negative events in our Nation? Our church always preaches that you need moderation in all things and it is no exception when it comes to cell phone use.
Last week when we were in the car and you were texting your friend at the wheel I got a little nervous, not going to lie. Every year thousands of accidents are caused by this distraction at the wheel and the statistics are a little daunting. Take for example that drivers are four times more likely to get in a serious accident when texting and that driving while texting has the same decreased reaction time as being over the blood alcohol limit: those are some scary numbers. I want to live to at least be 30 years old so next time you think of wiping out your phone to text, please don’t do it while I am in the car.
Cell phones surprisingly are a very new invention contrary to your belief. Compared to the telephone which has been around since the 1870’s, cell phones have only been around for the past 20- 30 years. That is a relatively short time. One would not believe that they are so young if you look at how many people are in possession of them today. It is reported over 90% of United States citizens’ age 18-30 own a phone and boy do they love them. In essence a cell phone is an extension of us. It adds a new dimension of communication, instant media access and so many other tools to use and many people are overly obsessed with this luxury. Did you know there is a cell phone and internet rehab center in WA State for people to overcome your addiction? Just a heads up to not become too dependent on your phone, it is only a piece of plastic and metal.
Lastly I would like to let you know that I feel distant from you because of your cell phone. Whenever we hang out you always seem to pull out your phone and text away. I am sitting right next to you and still you neglect that. Face to face interaction is 100x better than texting anyways. At least then you can see the person you are talking to and read body language. Talking on the phone is even a little better than texting too because you can hear voice inflection. All I am saying is using your phone cuts you off from what is happening around you. Don’t get too secluded.
I appreciate you as a friend but please don’t let your cell phone control your life. It is not worth it and can only endanger others or yourself. I am not advising you to get rid of your phone, just use it less.
Sincerely,
Alex Holland
I have a friend who was texting and driving and she drove up a snow bank. It was a busy night in our small town can you imagine how she would have felt if that snow bank wasn't there and she had instead ran in to some kids walking home from the basketball games!!
ReplyDeleteI have a friend that would always text when we were together. It drove me absolutely crazy. She even texted all through movies and I could see the light of her screen out of the corner of my eye. I finally quit doing things with her because all she did was text while we were together. Not only does it seclude you from others, it is just plain rude!
ReplyDeletePeople are so attached to something so stupid. Now I have my moments of weakness with my phone. I admit I will run home if I see that I have forgotten it, but some people are obsessed.
ReplyDeleteCellphones has definitely become an issue with many people. I have heard people actually talking on their cellphones while they are in the shower. People are becoming too dependent on phones. I would admit, texting makes life so much easier, but there are some people I know that need to lay back on using it. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI hate it when my mom texts while driving. I literally grab it from her and ask her what she wants to say. If its too personal and she doesnt want me to know, then she can text on her own time.
ReplyDeleteWhat?!?! I text while I drive all the time and I've only totaled one car. I totaled one car: three times.
ReplyDelete