I am just curious about what other, like minded people, think about cell phones. I view it more as a necessary evil. Please share your thoughts, and/or concerns.
1 Like
It has become both for me.
5 Likes
A valuable tool, yes. Definitely necessary for a multitude of reasons such as communication in a critical situation first and foremost. I use my phone regularly for research, organization, finances, contact with family, appointmentsā¦and even occasionally to make a call 
For the most part my mobile devices have replaced my main desktop/laptop with my cell phone being the primary device I use.
4 Likes
A tool that needs to be closely managed to make sure it is only working for me.
4 Likes
A phone is a tool like a gun is a tool. It can be used for good or for bad. Setting boundaries and keeping situationally aware (with your technology and on your technology) are important.
4 Likes
The moment Alexander Graham Bell picked up that receiver and said āHello?ā it was clear that a perfect eavesdropping device was born
Also, if intelligence services got together to brainstorm how to track movements, actions, and communications of every person in the world, and on top of it make the fools pay for the whole program - they would come up with modern smartphone, loaded with Google and Facebook crap.
I disagree that the smart phone is a tool like any others - it has a will of its own, acting on behalf of the corporations of dubious intent, your friendly government, and sometimes, not so friendly foreign governments and international criminals. You canāt control that merry bunch.
Whether it is vital or evil, doesnāt matter, itās fait accompli.
5 Likes
Cell phones are evil. They give us a sense of accomplishment and freedom. Couldnāt be further from the truth. In addition, they will be worthless if SHTF.
3 Likes
Unnecessary necessity 
2 Likes
Cell phone changed my life. It has been part of my business since Iāve started it. But Iām still missing old type flip phone. It is very useful as a phone, sometimes needed as email client and web browser, completely unnecessary for social media BS .
1 Like
Unfortunately the phone for me is a necessary evil and I wouldnāt own a phone if it wasnāt needs for my job to commit with my boss and get my dispatch for the next day.
1 Like
Walter Matthau playing a SCOTUS Justice in an old movie once said āA telephone has NO constitutional right to be answered.ā
Iāve taken that to a fine point in my old age. Good advice is hard won and disregarded at oneās peril.
Cell phone is no differentā¦ Although it IS easier to notice when SWMBO is calling in.
On the other hand, Seriously, we are 75% of the way onto an honest to God TRICORDER folks! Most of the important sensors are built in and a goodly number of the others are already available via bluetooth or the cloud. Many of the wished for are only because of operating RAM and programmers abilities.
YES, BOTH! Vital Tool & Necessary Evil.
Just remember to keep the folks who have no need whatsoever from knowing your location data. See if you can keep them out of your data files and OS on the handset too!
5 Likes
My phone and I have a healthy relationship- itās there when I want or need it, otherwise, it mostly lays around waiting patiently, without moaning and groaning about being ignored.
2 Likes
I rarely answer my phone. I hate talking on the phone (though I hold as many as 30 conference calls a week), and if I donāt recognize a number, I will always let it ring to voice mail.
2 Likes
The day I retire, I fully intend to put a round of .357 Sig through the center of my cell phone.
But, in all seriousness, theyāve all but become a necessity whether we like it or not.
3 Likes
Yes. Moreās the pity.
Worse than that even, they could be very dangerous to have in a SHTF scenario.
1 Like
Serpents in the garden.
2 Likes
Absolutely. Agreed. Iāll strap mine to an enemy combatant.
2 Likes
A cell phone is a vital tool. It is your life line to the USCCA god forbid you have to go through a critical incident
3 Likes