Essay 49 (Mobile Phones in Public)

Some people believe that mobile phones should be banned in public, especially in public transport, restaurants, and cinemas.  Others think that people should be allowed to use mobile phones anywhere.  Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Although using mobile phones in public may be of some nuisance to people in rare instances, it would be very unfair to ban them in such places, especially when we consider their enormous advantages for emergency communication.

(Another introduction: The use of mobile phones can sometimes become a nuisance, as people sometimes talk loudly and disturb others in public places.  Nonetheless, I tend to believe that it is unreasonable to prohibit the use of such a useful communication device in public.)

On the one hand, important messages need to be communicated to people even when they are in public places.  To explain, when people are away from home they are often found in places like shopping malls, cinemas and public transportation systems and cell phones have played a very significant role in keeping individuals connected with each other.  For example, only when people are always accessible on a mobile device, information about a theft, accident or death can be conveyed to them immediately, so that required action can be taken by the people concerned.  This would clearly emphasis the need for people to be accessible to each other electronically at all times.

On the other hand, in some instances, the indiscriminate use of mobile phones has become a serious concern, as people speak loudly, disturbing the privacy of others.  We sometimes witness people talking loudly on mobile phones in theatres and movie halls and deny the enjoyment of the people who sit nearby.

Although we are concerned about the misuse, I believe that most people are aware of the public behaviour required for mobile use, and they talk softly or move to an empty corner to carry on their conversation.  Moreover, through educational institutions and the media, government can give awareness about the proper use of mobile phones, instead of banning them altogether in public.

In summary, sometimes people use mobile phones irresponsibly causing inconvenience to others, but prohibiting them in public is unwise as they help people to communicate with each other at all times and more efficiently.