There is an old question; which came first, the chicken or the egg? A similar question could be asked in today's lifestyles; does an invention like the cell phone influence our life style, or does our life style produce a need for the cell phone?
The world today seems much smaller because people are so much more mobile. This generation is constantly on the move and cell phones certainly provide a needed service.

1. Families and friends who used to live nearby now live far apart, often hundreds, even thousands of miles. With cell phone packages that include "free" minutes and no long distance charges, we can stay in touch.
2. As a people on the go, we are often in moving vehicles; buses, planes, boats, trains and cars. Cell phones allow us to stay in communication.
3. Many people elect to travel constantly. My sister and her husband live in a recreational vehicle. Since they have no stationary home, a cell phone is a must.
4. Even many of our jobs are mobile. In addition to the traveling salesman, we now have truck drivers, delivery people, bus drivers, airplane pilots, off-shore oil workers, sports players, etc. A cell phone is a life-line for these workers.

In addition to being mobile, these days people are more active.
5. A family that used to stay home together now goes their separate ways into separate activities. A cell phone helps everyone to keep track of each other, especially if it has two-way radio capabilities. . Dad at the gym, Mom shopping, Sister at cheerleading practice and Brother at football practice can all communicate and coordinate as they need.
6. In many families, both parents work in order to make the money necessary to live. Cell phones keep them tethered with the children who may be left on their own devices until Mom and Dad come home from work. While not the ideal way to chaperone, at least there is some responsible connection.
7. Hobbies and interests can take us to remote places; e.g., camping, hiking, boating, skiing, sno-boarding, surfing. Cell phones can be used in many of these places where conventional telephones can't be found.
8. The portability of cell phones which can fit in pockets or pocketbooks means they can go anywhere we go, for better or worse.

Today's world seems less safe than "the good old days". Cell phones provide a safety feature for us.
9. If there is an emergency wherever we are, even in a moving vehicle, we can call for assistance, whether it's simply a matter of a flat tire or something more serious.
10 Anytime we are alone, whether at home, traveling on business or in a remote area, a cell phone provides the means to call for help
Family members can be notified immediately of any emergency.

In most ways, cell phones provide a vital service for an active, mobile society. When used correctly, they can keep us connected, current and safer.

Learn more about this author, Martha Leonard.
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