Is the world a better or worse place because of cellphones?

[Blue Tile Fever]

I vote worse. Yeah they're good for staying contact in case of emergency, but then you have the abuse of talking/texting, the increased rudeness, the addiction in some cases, not to mention the dangers of talking/texting while driving. What say you?

[Totally Bored]

Better

I have teenagers. Cellphones let me know where they are and what they are doin. I dont even get out of my car when I pick them up at places


Not only that but I do all my Day job and Band business through my phone. Seems to work for me.

[freedom's door]

I think "the world" is worse off (rudeness, distracted driving, kids who know how to text, but not how to have a conversation, etc) with cellphones, but many people's lives on an personal level are definitely better off.

[Mangy71]

Cell phones are incredibly convenient and wonderful devices, but there are definitely a lot of negative consequences....rude behavior, people that think they need to be on their phone every second of the day, people neglecting relationships with real people, etc.

[90wreck]

A lot more leg work and actual thinking was involved before the cell.
I miss that, however I voted "better".

[1after909]

The negatives outweigh the positives in my opinion!

[The Last Rebel]

Wow, I wonder how this will end?!

[ACfixer]

I think it's a wash.

Calling AAA from the freeway without having to walk to a "call box" (remember those?) is a huge plus. Breaking gown on the highway is dangerous enough without having to get out of your car and walk where cars are speeding by.

Obviously I feel better being able to contact my daughter when I need to, and especially if she needs to contact me.

Calling for parts etc. from a rooftop on a jobsite and being able to forward my office phone to my cell during slower times means I can still answer biz calls in the field and my customers get the live person rather than a machine.

The downsides are plentiful and well documented here.

[Tom CT]

Are things really that black and white? Two choices? Nope - not taking the bait.

[Trout]

Worse,

But now necessary, when was the last time you saw a phone booth?

I do not nor will I ever own a cell phone, but I can see where they could be useful.

[Muzzy]

Nope, but it is more dangerous.

[Old Tele man]

cellphones & pagers = digital "leashes" that let others yank you around.

[rob2001]

In the grand scheme I don't think phones make the world better or worse.

[Pedal Dan]

I got rearended by a girl texting last week. But I'm using my iPhone to post this.

[fusionbear]

There are some positives, but overall it seems we actually have less human interaction. Just like Neil Postman predicted in his book "Technopoly."