Preview

Cellphones Can Do More Harm Than Good

Best Essays
Open Document
Open Document
4048 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Cellphones Can Do More Harm Than Good
Text Messaging: The Effects on Our Society

A Report By: Blake Hogan, Emily Gilbert, Megan Leckington, and Chris Morris

1

Abstract:
In today’s day and age, most everyone in our society has and uses a cell phone. Most of those who use cell phones also use the SMS text messaging that these phones feature. This study takes a look at some of the effects and potential problems arising from the use of this text messaging. A survey of students and instructors at Lane Community College found that 70% of those surveyed believed that texting had harmful effects on students writing skills. However, studies that were analyzed found that texting is actually beneficial. While 54% of teenagers text others on a daily basis only 33% of teenagers talk to others face-to-face, yet it is too early in research to draw a conclusion on whether texting is harmful to their social skills. Most people know that text messaging while driving is very dangerous, yet the studies analyzed as well as the surveys conducted show that some people are still willing to take that risk.

Table of Contents:
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………….1 Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………….1 List of Figures……………………………………………………………………………...1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..2 Methodology……………………………………………………………………………….2 Participants………………………………………………………………………………...2 Results…………………………………………………………………………………..3-18 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………..19 References………………………………………………………………………………..20

List of Figures:
Edutopia.org Survey Pie Chart………………………………………………………….4 LCC Student Survey Bar Graph……………………………………………………......5 LCC Instructor Survey Bar Graph……………………………………………………..6 Texting Table 1…………………………………………………………………………...8 Texting Table 2…………………………………………………………………………...8 U.S. Map of Texting Legality…………………………………………………………….9 Teenager Social Interaction Bar Graph……………………………………………….10 Texting and Literacy Tables………………………………………………………...13-18

2

Introduction:
Cell phones are becoming a modern


References: Durkin, K., G. Conti-Ramsdent, and A.J. Walker. “ Txt lang: Texting, textism use and literacy abilities in adolescents with and without specific language impairment.” Journal of Computer Assisted Learning (Feb. 2011): n. pag. Academic Search Premier. Web. 23 Feb. 2012. Gardner, Lisa A. What to do About the Problem of Texting While Driving? . Spec. issue of CPCU eJournal 63.11 (2010): 1-10. Academic Search Premier. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. . Lenhart, Amanda. "Teens, Cell Phones, and Texting." Pew Research Center Publications. Pew Research Center, 20 Apr. 2010. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. . Map of Texting Bans. Map. iLookBothWays. Linda Criddle, 14 Dec. 2011. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. . Powell, D., and M. Dixon. “Does SMS text messaging help or harm adults’ knowledge of standard spelling?” Journal of Computer Assisted Learning (Feb. 2011): n. pag. Academic Search Premier. Web. 23 Feb. 2012. Stout, Hilary. "Antisocial Networking?" The New York Times 30 Apr. 2010: ST1. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. . “Teens Aware of Texting Dangers, Yet Carry On.” Professional Safety 56.12 (2011): n. pag. Academic Search Premier. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. . United States. Administration of Barack Obama. Proclamation 8610- National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. By Barack Obama. 1-2. Academic Search Premier . N.p., 1 Dec. 2010. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. . Wood, C., et al. “ The effect of text messaging on 9- and 10-year-old children’s reading, spelling and phonological processing skills.” Journal of Computer Assisted Learning (Feb. 2011): n. pag. Academic Search Premier. Web. 24 Feb. 2012.
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    Twob Or Not 2b David Crystal Summary
    • 1365 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Twob Or Not 2b David Crystal Summary

    As stated in the article, “2b or Not 2b” by David Crystal, some people believe that texting is not a natural form of communication and that it is wrecking our language. Although some people may agree with this idea, studies have challenged this opinion. Rather than fearing the consequences of texting, people should embrace this evolution and understand that this new form of communication may actually have benefits on literacy. This author once stated, “there is no evidence that texting teaches people to spell badly: rather, research shows that those kids who text frequently are more likely to be the most literate and the best spellers, because you have to know how to manipulate language.” The moral panic created by this form of socialization should be diminished, as people have the power and ability to shape our future.…

    • 1365 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Does Texting Affect Writing Rhetorical Analysis
    • 1201 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Does Texting Affect Writing Rhetorical Analysis

    The advances in technology that focus on communication have completely transformed over the years leading to all new types of ways to connect with someone like through text messages and virtual apps. These advances affect numerous people ranging from students to possibly a boyfriend miles away but what affect do these advances actually have? Michaela Cullington’s “Does Texting Affect Writing?” and Jenna Wortham’s “I Had a Nice Time with You Tonight. On the App.” each address this topic through similar arguments. Cullington bases her argument on the idea that texting does not have an effect on writing. She focuses on research and opinions of others as well as gaining a closer insight through her own research. Cullington’s intends to reach out…

    • 1201 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Texting The Next Epidemic Analysis
    • 494 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Texting The Next Epidemic Analysis

    In the article “Texting, the Next Epidemic” by William B. Bradford, he addresses the issue of texting in our society. He states that texting is starting to tear apart the social fabric of our country. In the article, Bradford states that the United States has fallen behind in educational standards due to the lack of reading and writing involved with texting. He portrays to his readers that texting is making our social events not so social. He says that people go to restaurants and parties for social interaction just end up on their phones not talking to each other. Furthermore, he talks about how texting is creating a generation that is socially awkward and cannot read or write important papers or documents. Proving his point on whether the next generation will be able to govern our country without being able to think, speak, or write clearly.…

    • 494 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Does Texting Affect Writing? By Michaela Cullington
    • 938 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Does Texting Affect Writing? By Michaela Cullington

    In her essay “Does Texting Affect Writing?” Michaela Cullington addresses the issue of text messaging possible causing poor communication skills and the use of textspeak, abbreviations used during text messaging such as “LOL” and “g2g,” in students’ formal writing. Cullington argues that text messaging does not have an effect on students’ formal writing. She addresses the opposition directly, even citing credible sources. However, she also cites credible sources with better information to support her point, and even conducts an experiment of her own. All of these factors combine and work well together to form a well-executed argument within Cullington’s essay.…

    • 938 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Rhetorical Analysis Of Texting And Driving
    • 1631 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Rhetorical Analysis Of Texting And Driving

    Each day we go about our lives without rethinking the repercussions that could arise from our routine actions. Roughly, over 8 people are killed and 1,150 are injured each day from vehicular crashes involving a distracted driver (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). “New research from AT&T shows nearly 4-in-10 smartphone users tap into social media while driving. Almost 3-in-10 surf the net. And surprisingly, 1-in-10 video chat (AT&T).” “7-in-10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving (AT&T).” “A recent AT&T survey found that 97 percent of teens say they know that texting is dangerous. The survey also found: 75 percent of teens surveyed say that texting while driving is “common” among their friends; Almost all teens (89 percent) expect a reply to a text or email within five minutes or less; And 77…

    • 1631 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    A Summary of “Hyper-Texting Teens More Likely to Have Sex, Do Drugs”
    • 338 Words
    • 2 Pages

    A Summary of “Hyper-Texting Teens More Likely to Have Sex, Do Drugs”

    According to a new case study by the “Case Western Reserve School of Medicine” teens that are hyper-texters are, two times more likely to try or have tried alcohol, forty percent likely to have tried smoking, nearly three and a half times more likely to have had sex, and forty one percent more likely to illicit drugs. In this article a hyper-texter is defined as someone who sends 120 texts or more each day. Three or more hours per day on any social media network is now being considered “hyper-networking”. The poor health behaviors previously described are being linked to such activities. Payne states, “This is not the first study to reveal such findings.” Researchers say the results among the various studies are creating a need for a new health risk category among teens. In an effort to shed light on the threat these habits pose to our teens, federal safety regulators have proposed several guidelines for states to create laws that would restrict texting while driving. Currently, nineteen states have enacted a ban on texting behind the wheel and seven states have banned the use of all handheld devices while driving. Under currently proposed guidelines, anything from a minimum $75.00 fine to a maximum felony sentence can be imposed depending on the circumstance.…

    • 338 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Rhetorical Analysis
    • 357 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Rhetorical Analysis

    Thesis: Technology, such as texting, while driving is unsafe and can be a hazard to teen drivers and others.…

    • 357 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Texting While Driving: to Ban or Not to Ban?
    • 1783 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Texting While Driving: to Ban or Not to Ban?

    Technology has steadily grown and made advancements since the Industrial Revolution. One new technology that has become very popular in our society is text messaging. In the United States, over 700 million text messages are sent every year, and the numbers are growing rapidly with more competent cellular telephones. (“Learn About the Dangers of Text Messaging. Texting Dangers and Statistics.”) The first text message “Merry Christmas”, was sent in 1992 by Neil Papsworth. (Shannon, Victoria) This was the beginning of the texting phenomenon that would alter communication forever. Text messaging allows people to communicate quickly, easily, and it can be a replacement for phone calls when calls cannot be made or are unwanted. However, there is a negative and dangerous side to all the convenience of texting while driving.…

    • 1783 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    What Are The Pros And Cons Of Texting And Driving
    • 750 Words
    • 3 Pages

    What Are The Pros And Cons Of Texting And Driving

    First, texting and driving had become a major distraction for teen and adult drivers. Texting and driving is a cause of many vehicle accidents. In the article, “The Dangers of Texting and Driving,” the author states that…

    • 750 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Text Messaging Affecting Teen Literacy
    • 1684 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Text Messaging Affecting Teen Literacy

    Text messaging is the central structure of communication for teennagers. While teens may think shortcuts are helpful they may not understand the damage they are doing to their writing. While older generations consider it to be degrading to the English Language, over half of teens have come to the conclusion that texting has made their writing inapplicable. Although to some teens, shortcuts and proper English can still be effective. Researchers show that text messaging has been proven to have a negative effect on society, and to the English Language.…

    • 1684 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Texting While Driving Research Paper
    • 573 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Texting While Driving Research Paper

    “Composing a typical text message is roughly akin to closing one 's eyes for nearly five seconds, during which time a car going 55 mph covers more than the length of a football field” (Savitz 2012). Due to the technological advances of the smartphone, and the fact that 50% of all teenagers admit to texting while driving, deaths of teenagers from texting while driving has skyrocketed. The latest data shows that over 3,000 teenage drivers died and over 300,000 were injured last year, as a result of teenage texting while driving. “The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that it is to blame for 11 teen deaths each day” (Savitz 2012). These deaths and injuries now make teenage texting while driving the leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States. With laws making no difference on whether drivers text, the number of deaths attributed to teenage texting while driving will only rise in the coming…

    • 573 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Driving Under the Influence of Cell Phones
    • 1354 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Driving Under the Influence of Cell Phones

    Hosking, S. G., Young, K. L., & Regan, M. A. (2009). The effects of text messaging on young drivers. Human Factors, 51(4), 582-592. doi: 10.1177/0018720809341575…

    • 1354 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Texting Driving
    • 363 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Texting Driving

    A text message is defined as “the exchange of brief written messages between fixed-line phone or mobile phone and fixed or portable devices over a network.” Along with email and online chatting systems, text messages are one of the most commonly used e-services by the average consumer. According to a 2010 study by Pew Research Center, over 286 million Americans subscribe to text messaging, and those users send, on average, 152.7 billion text messages per month. A study by Car and Driver magazine showed that texting and driving causes delays in reaction times that are up to 17.5 times more dangerous than drunk driving, and at that the chance of life threatening crash while texting and driving is up to 23 times more likely than during non distracted driving. In 2009, a Virginia Tech study also showed that distracted driving, including texting and driving, caused 81% of fatal accidents. With figures like…

    • 363 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Essay On The Effects Of Texting On Teen Literacy
    • 1483 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Essay On The Effects Of Texting On Teen Literacy

    What are the some of the effects that texting is having on the teen literacy? Text messaging has increased in popularity ever since the very first text message that was sent in the year of 1933 by a student who was working for the Nokia Corporation (Druoin and Davis 49). Centre of Science Education at Sheffield University discovered that more than ninety percent of the youth have cell phones and ninety-six percent of them use them to text. (Plester, Wood, Bell 137). The establishment of cell phones and texting has made a huge encounter on the way people communicate. Most people use their cell phones to text more than they do to make phone calls. Teenagers have observed that an average teenager sends a hundred textsin a day and 3,033 in s month. (Cingel and Sundar 310). Teens have the highest numbers of sent texts and the number is rapidly going up. Studies have shown that this form of communication is destroying the way people read,…

    • 1483 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    history Texting and driving essay
    • 499 Words
    • 2 Pages

    history Texting and driving essay

    49 Percent of all drivers admit to texting and driving, well in fact there are way more people who probably text and drive. This is alarming that 49 percent of drivers still text while driving while 98 percent of drivers know it is dangerous. In 2011 it was reported that 23 percent of all automobile accidents involved a cell phone that’s two million crashes. The minimal amount of time it takes to send a text message is 5 seconds that means if you are driving at 55 miles per hour you would have driven the length of a football field without looking at the road. Texting while driving makes it twenty three times more likely to get into a car accident. One of the most effected groups of people that are effected by texting and driving are teenagers.…

    • 499 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More

Related Topics