Cathypieters

PREAMBLE

Mobile Phone Culture is the most widely used term in the present era. Mobile phone has affected almost every field of life but its effects on students‟ learning especially at university level are deep and in multidimensional and diverse. Youngsters have been completely captivated and put under by this magical device. Now it has become an essential part of modern life and is playing a vital role in decreasing distance and increasing communication among people. This small device has done that work which was not even accomplished by great leaders and even wonderful inventions. It has made the people closer and closer day by day.

INTRODUCTION

According to Rich Ling (2003), the mobile phone has fundamentally affected our society, accessibility, safety, and security, co-ordination of social and business activities and use of public places. It has just become the part of culture of every region in the world. The trend of mobile phone started after 1980‟s in the world, but it has now touched the level of esteem. First it was just for a status symbol but now it has become a dire need of the day and is in the reach of everyone, even a person whose per month income is 2000 Dollars or less. According to a famous writer and researcher on mobile phone, Jon Agar (2005), until not very long ago, the mobile phone was expensive and the preserve of a rich few. Today the cell phone is everywhere and so common that it goes unnoticed. Mobile phone culture stepped in Africa (Namibia) after 1990s but mobile phone got its fame after 1994 after the establishment of some cellular networks. Now, every one person out of two in the world and every one person out of three has a mobile phone.

Everywhere you turn students are using cell phones to call, text, take pictures and even browse the internet. It's rare to see a teen at the mall or movies these days without a cell phone glued to their ears or texting as they laugh with their friends. More than three-fourths of teenagers from freshmen to seniors have cell phones, according to the Speak Up 2009 study, conducted by the nonprofit education group Project Tomorrow, which surveyed over 281,000 students. The judge is still out how cell phone use affects students' grades, but several considerations come into play. The advanced technologies that cell phones have taken on has affected educational institutions in a way that has increased the need to enforce policies that ban students from using cell phones while in school.

Society has come to a point where the idea of living without cell phones seems ludicrous. Students desire cell phones in order to sustain contact with friends. The parents of students want their children to have them for security purposes. Cell phones carry multiple benefits, but with this technology lies a dualism that hovers dangerously between the benefits and negative effects of cell phone usage especially with students.

THE EFFECTS ON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

The effects on university students‟ learning are both positive and negative. Most of the students are in adulthood and this is a very significant and crucial period of age. As Fredrick Tracy (2006) wrote, history is full of records of reckless and daring exploits of young man, some of which have resulted in great good and others in great evil. Some positive and healthy impacts and effects of mobile phone on students‟ performance at the university level include:

• To contact easily with the teachers, classmates and parents.
• To trace easily the teachers, classmates for the solution of educational problems.
• To use internet to search out the useful information.
• To use the mobile as minicomputer:

• To use dictionary and thesaurus:
• To read news:
• To listen F.M radio for entertainment
• To find out the translation of versus of Holy Quran/Bible and so on
• To make photos and movies
• To use blue tooth infrared technology to transfer the data from mobile phone to mobile phone or to computer and computer to mobile without any cost in few seconds. In it, data can be transferred even from oher mobile or computer which is 15 to 20 feet away.
• To handle and move easily because it is light weight and so on…

THE NEGATIVE & POSITIVES EFFECTS OF MOBILE PHONES USAGE

According to Ansari (2007) it has a number of negative and unhealthy impacts and effects on students‟ performances at the university level, including the wastage of time and money. Its vibration and use may be harmful for health. According to Awaz (2008), Sir William Stewart in his book “Mobile Phones and Base Stations” narrated that exposure of radio frequency causes great absorption of energy in the tissues of head which is harmful for nervous system. Vibration of mobile phone also has effects on the pumping of blood. Heat of mobile phone also causes skin problem, rays from tower are also harmful and it is suggested that towers should be atleast 16 KM away from the population. According to Awaz (2008), mobile phone affects the social life and health of all society members as well as university students. Some effects are as follows:

• It is a cause of disturbance to university students when they are busy in their lecture or projects in class rooms or libraries.
• It seems that it may cause increase in decline of moral values. With the use of mobile phone, now students feel no shy to tell a lie. When they are sitting in hotel or park, they tell to their parents or teachers that they are sitting in the library.
• Loss and misplacement of mobile phone is very common. The student who loses his/ her mobile phone also undergoes tension and this affects studies.
• Mobile phone is a source to introduce new culture of co-education in Islamic educational institutions. It is going to become the great tool of free relationship in the young generation. Long conversations on mobile phone lead them to that attitude which is not according to our religious and social acceptability. Their attitude affects their studies greatly. Sometimes they become the victim of emotional, physical and psychological problems.

Another most negative impact of mobile phone on students‟ learning by saying that most of the students write the abbreviations while messaging to others. The same habit has been developed, and they use the same abbreviation in solving the papers in the examination hall. They write U‟ ,2‟ ,Btw‟ ,Becoz‟ ,R‟ and ,BV‟ instead of You‟ ,two/to‟ ,Between‟ ,because‟ ,or which is a wrong way of writing.

in addition to the above information,the following also provide an overview of the effects of cell phone use on our lives

Radio Frequencies & Cancer

There is a growing concern that increasing exposure to radio frequencies increases the risk of cancer. The concern has become more pronounced as cell phones have become more common nowadays. Cell phones may place us at greater risk because they are kept on our bodies most of the times. Health Specialists warn that there may be a higher occurrence of brain cancer in the coming decades due to our increased exposure to cell phone radio frequencies. Though there is no definitive link between cell phone use and overall health problems, some studies have shown a correlation between cell phones and cancer. Several studies have suggested a possible link between exposure to cell phone radiation and an increased risk of cancer in the nerve connecting the ear to the brain. However, current research on the link between cell phones and brain cancers is however, inconclusive because findings vary from study to study.

Spreading of Germs

Cell phones also cause germs to be spread more easily because of the phone's close proximity to the mouth. Germs spread easily through the mouth through coughing, sneezing and breathing. Most cell phones are full of bacteria because they are often used in unsanitary environments.

Driving

Cell phone use causes hundred of accidents per year, many of them fatal. Research has shown that talking on cell phones greatly reduces reaction time when driving. Driving while texting is an even greater concern because texting requires drivers to look away from the road. Even momentarily looking away from the road greatly increases the risk of accident.

Addiction

Negative effects of cell phones are mostly personal. It's likely you know someone, possibly a teenager, who appears to have had their cell phone attached to their wrist. It never leaves his hand and is always open for talking and texting. This is no small annoyance. Society's technological toys invite addiction just as serious as alcoholism or drug addiction. For instance, teens and adults alike can drive with their attention split between the road and tapping out that "critical" text, with potentially deadly consequences through inattention. Negative Effects on Sleep Disrupted sleep patterns, overall restlessness, stress and fatigue are a natural consequence of excessive cell phone use, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Skyrocketing usage costs also could be a concern.

Disruptive to School Environment

Whether walking down the hall or in the middle of class, students are dialing and receiving calls on cell phones. Not only does this negatively impact the education of the children making and receiving calls, it also delays the education of fellow students, according to an article by Maya Cohen published on the website, familyeducation.com. Children, teens and even young adults are prone to distraction with cell phones. In the classroom and out of school, cell phones provide students an instant network of communication and entertainment. Inside the classroom, students are distracted from the lessons to text, play games and, if they are very daring, call other people. Cell phone ringers, alarms and ring tones disrupt the flow of lessons and the attention of every student in the room and the teacher. According to the National School Safety and Security Services, text messaging can be an aid for cheating students. Also, the camera in a cell phone can be used to photograph exams. The camera also can be used to photograph other students in a way that is a violation of privacy.

POSITIVES

More and more cell phones include Internet access, which can boost student learning in a wide variety of environments, not just at home or school. Students with long bus rides can complete most of their homework by the time they arrive home, making the most of their time. Internet cell phone access brings students into the 21st century, preparing them for technological applications after graduation. The convenience and small size offers ready access to information. The addition of multimedia to the classroom expands learning experiences to reach diverse educational student needs.

Use in Emergencies

Cell phones can help save lives by facilitating the contact of emergency services. If you're involved in an accident or have car trouble in a remote area, you can use your phone to call for help. A person who lives alone and has a household accident can use the cell phone.

Conducting Business

For people who travel extensively for business, cell phones help them keep in touch with the office and clients. Rather than having to locate a payphone, salespeople can return their clients calls, which can be an excellent timesaver and help increase productivity.

DISCUSSIONS

Mobile phone is helpful for the students for study purposes. Students can use it for exchanging useful information with their classmates about their studies. Students use this fascinating magic device in a better way. It is also helpful for the students as they can contact their parents. The students‟ academic performance has increased due to this technology. The mobile phone has helped to improve the level of the quality of education. The students utilize Mobile Phone to share important and useful information with classmates. Students use dictionary, thesaurus and calculator available in the mobile phone. The parents of female students feel more satisfaction due to mobile phone because their daughters can contact them easily. On the negative side of the issue, there are a number of drawbacks of this technology as the mobile phone has put negative impacts on students‟ moral values and the students misuse their mobile phones. They remain busy in writing and sending useless messages. They tease the students by sending missed calls and messages from unknown numbers. They listen to musics and watch movies. In this way they waste their precious time and money in talking and gossiping on meaningless topics with their friends by benefiting the low rates and free data packages offered by the mobile phone companies (MTC). The mobile phone culture has also increased the rate of telling a lie among students. On the other hand however, students can use the mobile phone for exchanging useful information with their fellows about their studies. As we know that at the university level, students are in adulthood and wise enough to recognize their duties. It is therefore, the responsibility of students to use this marvelous magic devices in a better way and never misuse it. Universities should play a pivotal role though, in this regard and promote awareness to utilize this electronic device in a constructive manner. There is a great role of university lecturers and especially parents as they should always have an eye on the activities of students and always try to foster the moral values among the students. It is the responsibility of media and mobile phone service provider companies (MTC,LEO,TELECOM) to create this sense of responsibility in the students to use this device in a positive manner.

ADVICE & RECOMMENDATIONS

Students should be monitored by school officials, campus securities and teachers to make sure that the use of cell phones in class is minimized. Parents should make their children aware of the fact that cell phone use in schools is prohibited and not proper behavior.

Cell phones must be used in the following manner:

• Minimizing use.

• Using a shielded wire headset or speaker phone.

• Keeping phone at a reasonable distance from the body.

• Turning your phone off when not in use.

• Using a land line with a corded phone whenever possible.

• Texting instead of talking.

• Switching phone from one side of the head to the other.

• Avoid using your phone when reception is poor.

Researchers are continuing to study about the cell phones usage and their connection to health in terms of long-lasting and future effects. Whatever conclusions will be reached, minimizing the effects now instead of later is timely and crucial.

CONCLUSION

In summary, mobile phones have been of help because information is power.the students at the university level utilize this wonderful technology in a better way by sharing useful information with their classmates and teachers. The female students belonging to remote areas (like myself) feel secure and their parents can contact them any time. On the other hand, the mobile phone is also misused by the university students. The university students must be sensible and careful to get maximum advantages from this technology which was a dream some years ago, but a reality now. If the students use it wisely and properly then they can improve their education and construct a better future for them.

REFERENCES

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• Aouranzaib, K. The Daily Express Press Multan, P-13. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |2= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help); Text ",May 05)" ignored (help)
• Awaz. Multan: Awaz CDs. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |, title= ignored (help)
• Eija, L.K ((2000)). Mobile culture of children and teenagers. New York: Cambridge University Press. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
• Frankiel, R.H ((2002)). Thinking and writing publication. San Francisco: McGraw-Hill Book Company. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
• Jon, A ((2005)). Constant touch. New York: Totem Books. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)