June 2, 2000    
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What is your stance on cell phones?

Cell phones are useful inventions which can be misused in many annoying ways. Remember, a man dying of exposure near the top of Mt. Everest was able to say goodbye to his wife thanks to cell phone technology.

Jill, 59
Saylorsburg,
PA

I don't really object to cell phones per se and am thinking of getting one myself. I do object to people who insist on accepting calls while in the movie theater, meeting, or other such public gathering. And folks who are walking down the street or driving while talking on their phones seem like accidents waiting to happen so I stay clear of them.

I do wonter about electromagnetic energy and the possibility of brain tumors that these devices might cause.

Felicia, 34
Somerville,
MA

I've had one ever since I commuted through Miami, and I think they are a great safety feature and convenience. I don't, however, appreciate people who intrude on my space by having loud cell phone conversations in public places, and I think people who use them mindlessly in cars are real traffic hazards.

Jane, 60
West Linn,
OR

I love them. As long as they're used responsibly--not driving unless emergency and not in theatres, I think they can be a valuable tool.

Lindsay, 21
Harrisonburg,
VA

I think that they're great, but as far as thier use in cars, I think that a hand's free headset would be better for preventing accidents.

Socrates One
Lowell, MA

Would be handy in an emergency, but most plans are too complicated and all the nitpicking about where you are where you're calling when you're calling and for how long just seems a bit anal to me.

Firelady, 22
Dallas
, TX

I'll wait for Video-Cell Phones (any day now)

Jami, 27
Lowell
, MA

My husband seems to be medically attached to his cell phone which I sometimes find quite annoying. I don't really get upset when I hear phones ringing at restaurants etc. because it is the "wave of the future" and it's just the way life will be from now on. I do really hate people who drive and talk on their cell phone. It's so dangerous. I've heard that it's as bad as driving drunk. Thank goodness my husband takes the train to work and I don't have to worry about his safety on the road.

Susan, 31
Chicago,
IL

Well although they sometimes annoy me - like when I'm in school  and you see someone phoning their friend that is standing on the other side of the corridor - I think that they're generally a useful tool, and I admit that I have one. It's a funky lime green one, but I rarely use it. I just carry it

Shanna, 15
Cardiff ENGLAND

My husband and I find our cell phone to be a great convenience.

Laura, 35
Lowell
, MA

Cell phones are really useful. They aren't cheaper than payphones, but you don't have to go looking for them, don't need a quarter, don't have to worry when 2 minutes are up. I love my cell phone, though I don't use it as much as some people. It's great for sitting in traffic -- makes the time pass. I don't think people should use them too much when they drive, though, because a lot of people get careless. I don't know if I believe the tumor scares yet.

Rachel L
Toronto, Ontario CANADA

I agree with their use in times of emergency, but there is no need to carry on a conversation over long distance while at the movies or while shopping. It is silly. I don't even talk on my home phone much, why would I want to have a conversation while at a concert?

Anthony, 25
Baton Rouge
, LA

I'm not as big supporter of them. I think a pager set to vibrate signalling the callee to take the conversation elsewhere is a bit more polite. They're good for emergency situations so I can understand if people keep one in the car.

Alias Irrelevante

I've had a cell phone for the last 6 years, ever since I started college. I was driving back and forth from Baton Rouge (college) to New Orleans (home) at least 3 times a month, so my parents bought a cell phone for me in case I broke down. I think they're wonderful inventions. It's so nice not having to stop for a pay phone if you forgot to tell someone something. I do not, however, like people who answer their cell phones DURING THE MOVIE (I want to rip it out their hands) or just generally walk around talking on their cell phones. If I need to call someone while in a public place, I do it quickly, quietly, and then get off the phone because I feel like a complete ass. But then again, I don't leave my cell phone on. If I need it, I just turn it on, use it, and turn it off again. And, if someone needs me, they just page me.

Amy, 23
Baton Rouge
, LA

I have one, but I try not to be annoying with it, like use it when I'm driving or when I'm out in public. The only time I really use it is when  I need to get a hold of someone to tell them something quick (if i'm on the go)...if I'm at home, I have a lot of free minutes on the weekend, so I generally use it the most during that time.

Nicole
Elk Grove, CA

I think they're pretty cool. . .I look forward to having one someday. . .

mothmc, 35
Pensacola,
FL

Don't drive while using them!

Tracy, 24
Ocean City,
NJ

I like having it around for car emergencies, etc. But, I hate when people talk on the phone and drive at the same time (I have stopped doing this) or leave them on in the movies, etc.

Kathy, 26
Garden City,
MI

A necessary evil. I think they can get out of hand. I do not think driving and talking on a cell phone is a good idea. But when I'm commuting, I can keep in touch with my family. And on weekends sometimes our family is all over the place so it certainly makes it easier to keep in touch.  Also they are great for ordering take out food on the way home from work and having it ready to pick up by the time you arrive. The down side is the kids can always get hold of you to ask for a ride somewhere.

Janet, 42
E. Brunswick,
NJ

I can't stand cell phones, except in dire circumstances or if you are in the middle of nowhere. They make me mad simply because it is one more thing to tie you down. I especially can't stand people who think that they can drive and talk on the phone at the same time! News flash - They can't

Kate, 19
Bellingham
, WA

thank god for them, what would i do without them? only, i hate when the people i'm avoiding *remember* that i have a cell phone.

Angela, 16
Bella Vista, AK

They're a pain in the butt, and they serve as leashes, but they have their uses.

Karen, 20
Marshelltown/Ames
, IA

I have one I use it rarely, I never have it switched on when driving or in the office. It is really for emergencies.

Nikki, 27
Kirkham ENGLAND

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