INTRODUCTION
Cell phones are a scientific reality. They have proved
to be a phenomenal invention in terms of building the communication. The
technological progress has even transformed the entire society and its people’s
approach to communication. The radical usage of such phones has proved how men
depend on them. It has become such a handy mode of getting communicated across
the world that people so often carry cell phones wherever they travel. (Kavoori,
2006)
THE ISSUE IN GENERAL
The usage of cell phones on air planes is indeed a
topic of controversy. A number of airlines allow the users to use phones while
some others impose a prohibition. The passengers on the other hand, due to
their excessive dependence, emphasize the allowance of the phone. In fact the
issue has extended to such a point that some other alternative and more
beneficial technologies are being sought after. But it would be pertinent to
point out that the aviation agencies are not very willing to enforce any new endeavor
in this regard until it is assured to be wholly safe. However, the problem of
using cell phones on the airplanes can be explained from an ethical point of
view. (Kavoori, 2006)
THE ETHICAL ISSUES
ATTACHED TO IT
The ethical issue of using cell phones on airplanes
can be either teleological or Deontological. The first one prescribes to use
cell phones because it is necessary although the impact may turn out to be an
unwanted one. But on the other hand, the second ethical norm dictates that the
phones should not be used on airplanes because they become a cause of utter
nuisance. However, there must be a balance between the two ethical issues. Extremist
views of should and should not may not be useful all the time. If we try to
follow the below mentioned points, the ethical issue can be handled. (Tavani, 2011)
·
There are many passengers on an airplane
who prefer to experience the flight with closed eyes. Besides many children or
patients also travel on airplanes. In this case, the sudden ringing of the cell
phones causes irritation. It hampers the calm of the situation. It is indeed
unethical to disturb others. (Tavani, 2011)
·
Audible conversations on cell phones in
a public place like that of an air plane often disturb the peace of the others.
Such conversations often become a cause of disturbance. Such acts must be
controlled even from an ethical point of view. (Nefer,
2014)
·
Discussion of private matters on cell
phones often leads others to become aware of the facts which are of course
unethical. Although the listeners do not deliberately pay heed to the
discussion yet the topic is heard without any restriction majorly due to the
callousness and stupidity of the speaker. It must be avoided. (Tavani, 2011)
·
The health hazardous effects of using
cell phones so often and so frequently also turn out to be an ethical
prescription that counsels not to use these phones so randomly. (Carlo, 2002)
·
Speaking loudly or angrily on the phone
becomes childish in a public place like that of a plane. If something is to be
sorted or clarified, it is better to do so privately instead of on phones and
moreover in public places. (Tavani, 2011)
·
Sometimes people travel on a plane
with friends or family members. In such a situation, taking a call and talking
throughout may turn out to be out of etiquette. It sometimes also becomes disrespectful
or insulting for the other friends or family members. (Nefer,
2014)
MY ETHICAL VIEW
So far as my ethical standpoint is concerned, I
would opine that the two ethical perceptions are to be combined and explored in
a decorous manner. To ensure such a balance I would take care of the following
issues:
·
I would keep my cell phone in silent
mode so that even if my phone rings the other passengers do not get offended
with the ring tone and I get enough time to leave my seat and take the call
privately.
·
I would try to keep my voice low so that
it does not disturb anyone.
·
If I have talk about something private or
personal, I would make sure that it is done in such a way that the privacy is
completely maintained. The conversation must not reach anybody else’s ears. But
to be frank the best way out is to avoid the personal calls in a public place.
SMS can serve as an alternative.
·
I would try not to avoid my friends or
any family member (if any along with me in the airplane) just to take the call
because it may hamper the ethical norms.
·
To be general, the usage of cell phones
must be avoided, for the hazardous impact it leaves upon health, no matter if
we are in air planes or anywhere else. The electromagnetic effect that the usage
of cell phones leaves upon us can be very dangerous. It affects the circulation
of blood, causes dizziness and fatigue, disturbs the digestive system, causes
headaches and increases the stress. On a serious issue, the excessive usage of
the phones also causes cancer. (Carlo, 2002)
·
The electromagnetic field is dangerous
for the aircraft system as well. Not only cell phones but also any radio transmitters
like computers, walkie talkies etc. prove to be dangerous for the aircraft
electronics. So I would try to avoid the usage of all such items on the air
plane. Ethically I do not have the right to undo or affect the system.
CONCLUSION
The paper is indeed an ethical one because it not
only helps me to judge the disadvantages of the cell phones in general but also
helps me to evaluate the situation from other co-passengers’ point of view, if
I had been an air plane passenger. But I must acknowledge that cell phones are
indeed a miraculous invention of science that has enabled the people to reach
their friends or relatives in no time. It is a means which enables men to gain immediate
help. These phones are indeed a source of emergency. Although the problem areas
of the usage are also a reality yet the complete denial of technological
progress would be a stupidity. We should try to gain the utilities of cell
phones as much as possible by trying to make a balance with the negative
aspects as well.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Carlo, L. M. (2002). Cell Phones: Invisible Hazards in
the Wireless Age. Basic Books.
Kavoori, P. N. (2006).
The Cell Phone Reader: Essays in Social Transformation. Peter Lang.
Nefer, B. (2014). Cell
Phone Etiquette on the Plane. Road & Travel Magazine . http://traveltips.usatoday.com/cell-phone-etiquette-plane-12463.html
Tavani, T. (2011).
Ethics and Technology: Controversies,Questions, and Strategies for Ethical
Computing. John Wiley & Sons.
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