Hooked to your cell phones?

It all began in 1982, with the introduction of the UAE's first mobile phone service. Now, 25 years later, the country has more than 5.6 million mobile phone users - part of an estimated 2 billion worldwide.

With new phones constantly hitting the market, consumers are spoilt for choice and ever more options, from additional messaging services to push e-mail, web browsers and multi-megapixel cameras.

The next generation of phones will even enable users to watch digital TV and make video calls.

Mobile phones certainly allow people to communicate with greater flexibility and ease. They have given us the ability
to maintain links with friends, family and work and to stay in contact when we really need to.

New phones equipped with enhanced features are constantly coming onto the market, but do we need all these functions at the click of a button and are we becoming too mobile-dependent?

But just how dependent are we becoming on our mobile phones?

Have your say
Do you agree that mobile phones allow people to communicate with greater flexibility? Which funcitons do you find to be most helpful? Are we becoming too dependent on cell phones? Share you views at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.

Yes, mobile phones are a must for any individual. It keeps us constantly in touch with friends and relatives. With the popularity of internet mobile phones, the world news is at one's fingertips. As with any gadget there are negative aspects too, like spreading of mobile viruses, illicit pictures and the like. Taking an average, mobile phones are a boon.
Anish Kumar
Dubai,UAE

It is a curse in disguise. People used to have some private time before mobile phones, time to relax and sit down without worrying about anything, but mobile phones have taken over. Yes it is the best toy to keep you in touch with anyone but it has taken the freedom. Anyone in the world can reach you even at 4 in the morning. You cannot hide.
Rizwan
Dubai,UAE

I miss someone - I give them a buzz on the cellular phone; I need updates from the office - I check emails on my phone. Perhaps, cell phones are part of life now as the mobile phone numbers have also started acting as your identity numbers in many places for references.
Sohaib
Dubai,UAE

Mobiles have become the integral part of your life. I am away from my home but whenever I need to talk I easily communicate just because of my cell.
Engr
Al - Khobar,Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Mobile phones do make life easy, but at the same time these gadgets have made us lose that personal touch with other people. Nowadays we would rather just send SMS than to personally greet a person on any occasion.
Rajagopalan
Sharjah,UAE

Mobile phones connect people wherever they are. These gadgets are our bridges to achieving power and success.
Hristina
Sandanski,Bulgaria

Cell phones are a blessing! They make communication way flexible and easier than before this gadget was invented. The function which I find most helpful is SMS. Sending a text message SMS is certainly a quicker way to communicate than sending emails!
Sara
Sharjah,UAE

It would not be wrong to say that we have become too dependent on machines. All these hi-tech gadgets that do most of our work are making us addicted. I won't deny that I am totally dependent on my cell phone for my day to day activities, such as setting reminders for birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions. Functions like SMS, MMS, video conferencing and emails are the most helpful in keeping us connected. I can't see my life without a mobile phone.
Sam
Dubai,UAE

Mobile phones are indeed most useful, but getting dependent on any technology doesn't make sense. One has to keep various other channels of communication open.
Vishal
Abu Dhabi,UAE

Today's generation is too dependent on mobile phones as it gives too much flexibility to people to be in touch with everyone whenever they want.
Haridas
Dubai,UAE

Mobile phones have become a necessity now. A decade ago, having a mobile phone was just a luxury, but now, having a mobile phone has become critical to one's position in society.
Moadh
Dubai,UAE

Mobile phones simply make life easier.
Imran
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I am dependent on my mobile phone. I use it to schedule appointments, add notes, to browse my list of contacts, to surf the internet, to read the Quran, to play games and to scan the dictionary.
Wahid
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I depend on my mobile phone to push emails. It makes my life hassle-free since it allows me to answer emails and keeps me up-to-date with my work. Thank god for this technology!
Niaz
Dubai,UAE