Name:_________________
Editing Practice
Courtney Miles
Could you go a day without your smartphone? We use these devices for both
minor and major tasks all day long and many of us would have a hard time even
leaving home without it. Though they are important for our daily lives, they have
many positive and negative aspects.
To begin with, smartphones have many advantages for our social and
professional lives. Firstly, we are able to communicate with friends and family by
text, audio call, and video call. For example, I can FaceTime my family back home
in Florida even though I live far away in Bahrain. This is a pro for me because
sending letters or emails takes longer than simply chatting with them in real time.
Secondly, smartphones are essential for organizing my workload, staying in
contact with my colleagues and students, and quickly finding information. I use an
app called “Todoist” that allows me to set tasks for the day and sends me
reminders about important due dates. Nonetheless, though smartphones have
benefitted multiple aspects of my life, there are also many drawbacks.
There are also many disadvantages of smartphones that we should take seriously.
On one hand, they connect us quickly to friends and family; but on the other hand,
they distance us from people with us in person. Often when I look around a cafe or
restaurant, groups are not talking to each other but rather on their phones.
Furthermore, texting can also cause miscommunication because we are reading
words without seeing body language or emotions. This can cause hurt feelings,
arguments, and even loss of a relationship. Therefore, we need to find a healthy
balance so that we are not controlled by smartphones.
In conclusion, smartphones are essential for almost every part of our lives
despite their many weaknesses. In my opinion, we should choose times to go
without our phones so that we can be more present with our family, friends, and
colleagues. We must learn to use technology with balance so that we can prioritize
what matters most in life.