Cancer From...Phones?

Today, everything seems to be labeled as carcinogenic because researchers haven’t found any conclusive evidence on the source of cancer in humans. Cell phones now fall in the category of questionable carcinogens. Additionally, studies have shown that brain activity changes with the frequent use of cell phones. Is this a rational fear, or should we just not worry about the possible adverse health effects of cell phones because of how uncertain they are and how dependent society is on cell phones today?

An article on aolnews.com discusses some of the adverse effects of cell phones and whether it is cause for concern, using multiple studies as a basis. There was a recently-published study done over 10 years in 13 different countries, called the “Interphone Study”, which evaluated the relationship between cell phones and brain tumors. The study found no correlation between cell phone use and brain tumors. Another study was published last month that called “Effects of Cell Phone Radiofrequency Signal Exposure on Brain Glucose Metabolism”. This study evaluated the effects of cell phone signals on brain processes. The study found an increase in brain glucose metabolism as a result of cell phone use, but scientists are unsure of the clinical significance of this discovery. This study is further discussed in an article in the health section of cnn.com, as well as other inconclusive studies related to this topic.

Since so many studies have inconclusive results regarding the relationship between cell phone use and brain-related health problems, what is the answer? Are cell phones harmful to our health? We may never know, but you have to decide this: since there are correlations between cell phone use and some brain functions, do you think that the possible unhealthy outcomes outweigh the benefits of using cell phones? I don’t believe that society as a whole can decide to stop using cell phones because we are so dependent on them now. Many researchers believe that using an earpiece solves the problem; maybe that is the answer.

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Internet Success Stories

Today’s culture is very fickle towards internet use. Researchers often conduct studies on health problems, mental and psychological deficiencies, and other ailments caused by constant connection to the internet. Parents and adolescents alike debate the pros and cons of constant technology use. In the end, most seem to conclude that constant connectivity and the internet cause nothing but harm. No matter how much evidence can be stacked up against the internet, a few success stories can be found that reinforce internet-lovers’ convictions. This begs the question: “Do the positive attributes of the internet compensate for being constantly connected to it?” There really isn’t a solid answer; this is just a thought-provoking discussion on the matter.

Internet success stories are frequent and noteworthy, but few are as well-known as that of teen pop artist, Justin Bieber. He began as a normal kid in Canada, but when his mom posted videos of his music covers on YouTube for their friends and family to enjoy, he became a YouTube star. A man named Scooter Braun randomly found one of Bieber’s videos and was so enthralled he had to find him. Braun took Bieber to jump start his career with the popular pop artist Usher’s guidance, and now girls ranging from ages three to 73 are screaming his name. After various number one hits, platinum albums, awards, and more, it has been made apparent that Justin Bieber is quite the internet success story. You might say that Bieber wasn’t technically “constantly connected,” but having any sort of YouTube presence indicates that the internet plays a significant role in a person’s life. Certainly no one can argue that Bieber was harmed by an internet presence. Although not everyone becomes rich and famous from being constantly connected, and almost none to this degree, many find musical careers, entrepreneurial endeavors, and other avenues towards success in this manner.

Now we know that constant connectivity can make you rich and famous, but can it save a life? This success story certainly suggests so. Nancy Makin weighed in at a whopping 700 pounds for over 12 years, and her weight gain only promoted hopelessness. When her sister gave her a computer, Makin’s life began to improve. She stated, “The anonymity of the computer gave me access to a world that would have just as well have left me alone, alone to die but I did not.” Online, Makin made and maintained many friendships. In these online friendships, she wasn’t judged by her looks but by her personality. She found love and acceptance through her constant connectivity, and as a result, Makin lost weight. She didn’t use any sort of weight-loss techniques; she just stopped overeating. The depression was no longer an issue, and her psychological state vastly improved. Makin now weighs around 170 pounds, and she hopes that her story will inspire others to do the same. Did her constant connectivity directly save her life? Well, no, but as a result of spending her time immersed in the internet, her health and mental state improved tremendously, thus increasing her standard of living and presumably prolonging her life. A lot can be said about the possibility of constant connectivity helping to improve peoples’ lives in this manner.

You will probably maintain your beliefs as to the effects of constant connectivity, but hopefully after reading this and examining the success stories, you at least did a double-take. Constant connectivity and the internet may be plagued with negativity, and some of it may be true, but some good can also come of this constant connectivity. Many people base their livelihoods on the internet and their ability to remain constantly connected. It is arguable that constant connectivity in this manner benefits these people more than it harms them. If standard of living can increase for these internet users, who are we to tell them that what they do is a detriment to their health and well-being?

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