Different opinions about mobile phones

Paula ‘’I couldn’t live without my mobile phone. I think I’m addicted to it in fact! I make over twenty calls a day and send at least forty text messages. I just like to be in touch with all my friends. It used to be more expensive to send texts but I’ve got a special deal with the phone company now so all texts are free and calls are cheaper too. I wouldn’t give it up for all the money in the world!’’

Maria ‘’I have a mobile but I try not to use it too much. When I have to use it for a long time I worry about what’s happening to my brain. Sometimes my ear gets really hot and I get a headache. I’m sure it’s not good for you. We all use them but there hasn’t been much research into the dangers. Another thing that worries me is people driving while they’re talking on their mobiles. Surely that causes accidents. I’ve even seen cyclists using mobiles, that’s just so dangerous!’’

Mahesh from London ‘’I think they’re really useful. It’s great to be able to call or text a mate and say you’ll be a bit late to meet him. The other day my car broke down on the motorway and it was great to be able to phone for help. I got lost on the way to a friend’s house the other day and I just looked up the directions on my maps app. That was really handy.’’

Simon ‘’I’ve never had a mobile phone. I work from home, I’m a writer, so I really don’t need one. My girlfriend keeps trying to convince me to get one, but I won’t. She’s got an iPhone and she raves about the fantastic apps and touch screen. She wants to get me one for my birthday, but I’d rather have a new laptop. People think I’m a bit strange not having a mobile but I don’t want people to be able to know where I am and what I’m doing every minute of the day. I like to be uncontactable!’’

Anna ‘’I have a mobile but I’m really careful about switching it off when I’m in public places. I hate having to listen to other people’s conversations on the train and on the bus. I try not to listen but it’s impossible when people speak loudly. Often they have really personal conversations and I just don’t want to know their private business. It can be embarrassing. I think they should be banned in restaurants, art galleries and on public transport. The whole mobile phone culture is out of control and we shouldn’t accept it. It’s noise pollution!’’

Clare ‘’I used to love my mobile phone, it had a great camera and some cool photo apps and I would upload loads of pictures of what I was doing. However, it got really out of hand and I started to get really annoyed when I was out with friends and everyone was spending more time looking at their mobile phones than actually talking to each other. It just seemed ridiculous! So now, I have changed my smart phone for a really basic mobile phone, just to make calls and send a few messages. I feel much better now that I am not so addicted to being on my mobile, and actually have real conversations with my friends.’’