The information age is upon us, untold amounts of data being sent and received millions of times a second, spanning colossal lengths; unimaginable distances only to arrive at the requesting user’s fingertips in just a matter of seconds. Looking up a fact or checking the weather, even finding research for a paper used to be a chore,though these things are trivial in this day and age thanks to the modern marvel we have come to know as mobile phones. The archives of a million libraries at our disposal at any time in any place, feats this extraordinary probably have our ancestors rolling in their graves. Play a video game or watch a movie, read a book while making a phone call, look up a recipe while checking out the sports highlights; the ways in which these devices can entertain and distract you are seemingly endless and the list grows as technology continues to advance with no stopping point in sight. As glamorous as this all seems there is a con to every pro out there, unfortunately in the case of mobile phone usage there is no exception to this rule. From tons of toxic waste to drastic shifts in social behavior, mobile phones have had just as big a negative Impact on our world as much as a beneficial one.

The objective of this thesis is to persuade readers, mainly for public awareness and to realize that we need to do something about it. That increased mobile phone usage adds to more toxic waste, adding to the rapid succession of global warming effects and can lead to unhealthy well-being(psychologically and physically).  After considering multiple readings and researches, this thesis can make the public aware and be concerned to help preserve environmental communities and live a better and healthier life if mobile phone usage is controlled and properly executed. 

            What are the cons if there is an excessive usage of mobile phones?  Research findings indicate that excessive use of mobile phones lead to a number of symptoms, like impaired concentration and memory, headache which is a common symptom for always being on the phone and also fatigue, which all lead to unproductive day. Part of our population nowadays which is found to be more in excessive mobile phone usage are the teens.  It is no big secret that teenagers have this complex relationship with technology.  As a matter of fact, parents have reason to worry because results of a 2016 Common Sense Media report found that 50% of teens admitted that they “feel addicted” to mobile devices.  On the other hand, 59% of parents surveyed believe that kids are addicted to their devices like smart phones or mobile phones (Hurley). 

            There have been multiple studies and tests which were done with high-school and college students on how excessive use of mobile phones affect them.  Some tests were focused on psychological effects and done by comparing and examining mental states of students through questionnaires, it was like a simple gathering of data and collection based on the questions on how and how the frequency of mobile phone usage is for these students (Jayanti, 2010).  Other studies focused on the lifestyle effects.  Based on these several studies and tests, it was figured out that excessive usage of cellular phones among student found behavioral correlates such as anxiety, lack of emotion and social skills, and depression (Jenaro). Use of mobile phones can be really beneficial especially nowadays for teens.  They use mobile phones to communicate with peers and family, to seek help on homework and school assignments, as well as with the use of apps to help them get organized.  As glamorous as this all seems there is a con to every pro out there, unfortunately in the case of mobile phone usage there is no exception to this rule. 

Excessive mobile phone use is not only amongst teens now, it applies to even adult individuals nowadays.  There is a wide range of smartphone or mobile phone addiction happening.  To better understand and figure out if one is into excessive use of cell phone, take note of the potential symptoms which might include the following (Hurley):

• Conscious use in prohibited contexts or potentially dangerous situations (e.g. texting while driving)
• Excessive use that causes conflicts with family; withdrawing from family or shared events in favor of mobile phone use
• Negative effects on school, family, social, or emotional functioning of an individual
• Continued excessive use despite negative effects
• Checking mobile devices frequently, almost impulsively,  even in short bursts
• Sleep disturbances or insomniadue to increased urges to use a mobile device
• Elevated anxiety and/or irritability if phone is not accessible
• Feelings of dread when unable to use a mobile device

Putting all of these symptoms into consideration, you or another person could be suffering from mobile phone addiction. If you have a teen or someone you know who is into excessive use of mobile phones, ask yourself these questions:

• Does my teen get mad, irritable, anxious and even gets violent when the phone is taken away or unable to be used?
• Does my teen avoid social events or family gatherings to use mobile phone instead?
• Is my teen’s hygiene, social relationships with friends and family being affected by his or her use of mobile phone?
• Is my teen’s normal sleep routine affected?
• Are there major changes in the mood and eating habits that are hard to explain?

Again, these symptoms and questions that would help us to recognize addiction or excessive use of mobile phone is not mainly intended for teens but are applicable to everyone to at least help figure out if they are into it.  If so, then it will help if you should practice mindfulness to curb urges.  And if you suspect that anyone you know is addicted or into excessive usage of mobile phones, get help.  Cognitive behavior therapy or the psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and restricting negative patterns of thought and behavior will be of big help.  Individual process therapy as well can help who is into this problem recognize and work through experiences and as well as feelings that contribute to problematic use.  Also, adaptive coping strategies like exercise, relaxing like deep breathings and progressive muscle relaxation will do good to deviate and stop those curb urges that can lead into problematic or excessive use of mobile phones.  This huge sociological issue that is inherent with mobile phone use is not the only major impact these devices have on our everyday lives.