The modern society has been plagued with the impacts of technology and mobile phones. In different cities across the globe, people rarely look up or engage in good conversations in the streets as they are constantly glued on mobile phones. Mobile phones have become a central place for apps that touch on every aspect of living. Therefore, mobile phones can be used to communicate, review daily news, order for food, get directions, and have entertainment, to mention but a few. The vast uses of a mobile phone thus have created an era in which people are constantly staring at the streets. The impacts of mobile phones have become even more detrimental to students. As young people, students in different levels of education and especially colleges, have become overly reliant on phones for daily uses. However, mobile phones have caused both positive and negative impacts on the lives of students. The use of mobile phones and the internet have allowed increased access to academic resources and the sharing of academic information among students; however, it has also caused a lack of integrity academics and distracts students.
The use and accessibility of mobile phones have increased the accessibility of academic resources. Various colleges across America have created online libraries that can be accessed by students through their mobile devices. Similarly, different journals have accounts online through which students can access information on many disciplines. As Twum explains, “smartphones play a very important role in education, in that it offered a major chance in enhancing access to learning resources. This enables many institutions, especially in higher education, to develop learner support as well as learning opportunities in ways which would build on current methods” (216). Access to academic resources has been increased rapidly based on the use of mobile phones for students at all times. In different parts of the world, a student can be able to see new research and view different developments in a discipline in which they are interested. Access to mobile phones has allowed students to have access to a vast array of information, thus making the process of learning more efficient. Moreover, mobile phones are effective as they allow students to interact.
The advancement of better features and internet speeds for mobile phones has allowed students to interact more and share knowledge. The advancement of better communication platforms on the internet allows for tribes to be developed based on common interest among the users. As a result, students have been able to interact and share different ideas. According to a research conducted in the European University of Lefke, “the internet and its usage in higher education have improved educational development and research and has encouraged virtual interactions for sharing research findings” (Apuke and Iyendo 02). The interaction between students and the sharing of knowledge has been emphasized in the modern era. For instance, in the class forums, students can interact with other students, share ideas on research, correct others, and provide researched information. In schools across the globe, students have been able to actively share data on different researches that have allowed students to learn more. The advancement of better online communication will ensure students have access to more information and platforms to share. Unfortunately, students can also be impacted negatively through the use of mobile phones and technology.
The increased use of mobile phones and internet use has led to increased cheating in academics. Dozens of platforms on the internet currently allow students to have assistance in writing essays. The platforms which advertise and tutoring platforms have become avenues for students buying essays and assignments. Moreover, “Despite the fact that repercussions for cheating are severe, involving possible suspension or expulsion, 62% of U.S. students have reported seeing or hearing of another student using a connected device to cheat on an exam, quiz or project” (NYU dispatch). The increase in mobile technology has also allowed students to get aid directly and cheat in different exams. The internet offers a variety of places where students can access information and help at different costs. As a result, the increase in speeds and technology of cellphones allows cheating to be rampant in tertiary education systems. Students constantly have access to help and are tempted to use them, thus lowering their ability to learn from the school experience. Hence, access to the internet and better mobile phone technology is leading to an increase in professionals with little knowledge of their disciplines, which can be fatal in the working areas.
The impacts of mobile phones on students have often bee viewed from a negative perspective as it causes a lack of concentration and cheating; however, the use of mobile phones has increased research opportunities and better interactions among students. The use of mobile phones on students has vast negative and positive impacts on students. As a result, other concepts can be applied to ensure the students can harness more of the positive than negatives. Lecturers and faculty members should correctly advise the students on the impacts of mobile phones on their future, especially professional careers. As a result, the students will ensure the mobile devices are tools that aid in their success rather than contributing to their failures. Mobile phones are part of modern society and are likely to impact students more in the future. As a result, policies and corrective measures should be taken in tertiary institutions to ensure students gain the best from the use of the gadgets.