2000 Q.2 [8]

What are you for, Mr. Mobile Telephone?

The utilization of mobile telephones is so prevalent in Hong Kong, a well-developed city, that numerous citizens possess one or even more. Having the viewpoint that the mobile telephone is the most brilliant invention ever, the citizens worship it and are utterly proud of it. Nevertheless, from my point of view, this electronic device is the most annoying, unnecessary and time-wasting device ever invented, and I am going to demonstrate the reasons.

Imagine that you are watching a fabulous movie in a cinema and you are totally immersed in the plot. Suddenly, the mobile phone of the person sitting next to you rings. How will you feel? I’m sure you will be irritated and disturbed. Indeed, similar phenomena can happen anytime and anywhere. No matter whether you are having your lessons in a tutorial centre, listening to a concert, traveling on a bus or even walking on the street, it is not uncommon for you to be annoyed or interrupted by the ringing tones of mobile phones. The most displeasing thing is, you have no where to hide from the sound emitted as it is unrealistic to put on earphones to shut your ears all the time. Thus, you would have no choice but to endure such irritation.

Why are mobile time-wasting? As a matter of fact, many people talk on their beloved mobile phones usually without any meaningful purposes, and precious time is thus wasted. They talk on the phones many times just to use up the minutes provided by the telecommunication companies as they think that it is a loss if they don’t use most of the minutes provided. Then, whenever they get the time, such as when they are traveling on the MTR or waiting for a friend, they just aimlessly search for a number to dial and start talking gossip when the line is connected. Actually, they can do lots of other things which are more substantial, such as reading novels or newspapers, which can enrich their knowledge. Also, those who are being called are wasting their time, too. As it is rather impudent to refuse a conversation, they have to spend time chatting reluctantly. Doubtless, such an embarrassing situation arises from the features of mobile telephones that enable people to be accessible to others anytime and anywhere within the reception coverage, leading to the waste of valuable time on coping with such purposeless calls.

Furthermore, despite the fact that mobile phones possess a multitude of functions, namely surfing the net, dialing calls, sending messages, playing music, taking photos and playing games, they are actually not necessary. Mobile telephones are indeed flashy electronic devices that we can live without. Just before the introduction of mobile phones to the world, the electronic devices serving similar purposes were more than enough. Phones with fixed net as well as pagers are very useful and helpful, enabling us to come into contact with others, and the former have even provided us with connections which are much more stable that that of mobile phones. In addition, mp3 players, digital cameras and computers already possess the functions of playing music, taking pictures and sending messages respectively and they work even better than mobile phones owing to the specialization in certain functions. Then, it is not unreasonable to say that a mobile telephone is just a ostentatious device that possess diverse functions but it is not essential to us at all.

From what has been discussed above, it is not groundless to say that the mobile phone causes troubles and problems in our lives, as opposed to boosting our living standards. It destroys the tranquility and peace that we are blessed to enjoy; It claims our valuable time while it is not worthwhile as it is of no indispensable utilization. Thefore, why do we still stick to it? Let’s throw it away and enjoy a simpler and more tranquil life!

Comment: Good langugage skills and smooth development of ideas are demonstrated.