ENGLISH FOR WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION

MAY / 2018

OUMH2203

NO. MATRIKULASI : 831209145612001

NO. KAD PENGNEALAN : : 831209145612
NO. TELEFON : 01131737109
E-MEL : emilyn@oum.edu.my

PUSAT PEMBELAJARAN : PETALING JAYA

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 2
2. Impact of mobile phones ......................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Medical Problems ............................................................................................................. 3
2.1.1. Effect of electromagnetic waves on human brains ................................................... 3
2.1.2. Effect on humans upper extremities, back and neck caused by handheld devices ... 4
2.1.3. Problem with vision .................................................................................................. 4
2.1.4. Mental Health............................................................................................................ 5
2.2. Social Problems ................................................................................................................ 5
2.2.1. Addiction................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.2. Manipulating information ......................................................................................... 6
2.2.3. Overwork .................................................................................................................. 6
2.2.4. Misuse ....................................................................................................................... 7
3. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Mobile Phone As A Student ................................ 8
4. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 10
5. Reference ............................................................................................................................... 11

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1. INTRODUCTION

In recent years, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of mobile phones across the
globe. This can be seen by the growth of mobile phone sales and increase in mobile carriers. It is
believed by some that higher usage of mobile phones has been beneficial while some argue that
it is causing problems. The cell phone is probably the most accepted and widely used
communication device than any other communication device of the past time (Nurfit, 2012).
Though cell phone causes many health related problems as well as social and other problems,
these points of view will be analysed further in this report.

Many organizations use cellphones and smartphones as regular tools of business, and these
devices can offer a number of advantages for savvy users. Though businesses can benefit from
distributing cellphones to their workforce, the use of mobile communication devices can also
have a number of disadvantages in the workplace. It is believed by some that increased mobile
phone usage has positively contributed to the growth of economy in many nations. For instance,
during the last decade, the number of mobile phone manufacturers all over the world has
increased by sixty percent due to the fact that there is a huge demand for them (Mobile future
focus report, 2012). This has led to an increase in employment opportunities in this category &
significant growth in the world economy. Thus, this can be seen as an important advantage of
higher rate of mobile phone usage.

Furthermore, in recent times, mobile phone numbers are being used as a source of identification
for individuals due to the fact that the majority of population uses mobile phone. (Malaysian
Communications and Multimedia Commission, 2015). In fact, in sectors like transport, banking,
food chain etc, mobile phone numbers have become the primary source of identifying customers
apart from name. Also, this use of identification has helped in collecting crucial evidence in
against criminals across the world. Thus, it is evident that increased use of mobile phones is
aiding social causes as well. On the contrary, some believe that extreme mobile phone usage can
cause medical issues. But, this claim has not been completely proven due to lack of practical
evidence among mobile phone users. This argument will be discussed further in the next chapter.

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2. IMPACT OF MOBILE PHONES

“Mass cellphonization” revealed proponents and opponents of mobile phone users. Mobile phone
proponents state that devices enhance safety, deliver education, improve transparency and root
out corruption, strengthen democracy and provide access to the market, while opponents see
various health risks and nature pollution. Mobile phones have impacted almost all walks of
human life. The impact that will be discussed in this report will be the health and social impact,
especially among students.

2.1. Medical Problems

2.1.1. Effect of electromagnetic waves on human brains

The smartphone is a source of the eminence of electromagnetic waves. When talking on a cell
phone, most users place the phone against the head. In this position, there is a good chance that
some of the radiation will be absorbed by human brain. Carina Storrs, in her article “Cell phone
radiation increases cancers in rats, but should we worry?” notes that a “high-dose exposure to
cell phone radiation increases brain tumors in male rats,” However “most studies in humans have
failed to find a link between cell phone use and greater cancer risk.”

The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on an increased risk for glioma,
a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use. From the report published
by the IARC in May 2011, a Working Group of 31 scientists from 14 countries met in France to
assess the potential carcinogenic hazard from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields
emitted by wireless communication devices, microwaves, radio, and television signals. The
Working Group came to a conclusion that “the evidence, while still accumulating, is strong
enough to support the conclusion and the 2B classification (carcinogenic to human)”. It means
that the risk of hazard exposure emitted from the cell phones exists to cause cancer, and
therefore, additional observations are required.

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 2.1.2. Effect on humans upper extremities, back and neck caused by handheld devices

Various studies show the connection between cell phone usage and physical state of the users’
health. Berolo et al.(2011) reported that mobile hand-held device users complain of discomfort
in at least one area of the upper extremities, upper back, or neck. The researchers also reported a
significant association between the total time spent using a mobile device each day and pain in
the right shoulder, and between the time spent on internet browsing and pain at the base of the
right thumb. In similar studies on working with desktop, the scientists recommend regular rest
periods, stretching, and exercises.

Karlson (2006) reported that 74% of all mobile hand-held device users observed in an airport
most frequently used the device with a single hand. It is known that the physical demands of one-
handed use are greater than those with two hands. Therefore, the present study compared the
muscle activities when smartphone users handled the device with both hands or with a single
hand. Muscle activity was lower in subjects using the smartphone with both hands than that in
subjects performing bilateral work such as using a computer suggesting that the highest muscle
load and fatigue occur with one-handed use of mobile devices.

2.1.3. Problem with vision

Small text and bright screens can strain mobile phone users’ eyes. A statistical analysis
performed by T. Qasim, M. Obeidat, and S. Al-Sharairito (2017), finds the effects of extensive
usage of a smartphone for long periods of time on the human body can cause vision problems.
Since tablet computers, smartphones, and other hand-held devices are designed for reading at
close range, users’ eyes must constantly refocus and reposition to process the graphics and text
on screen. In order to reduce digital eye strain one can try reducing glare, cleaning the screen,
dimming the surrounding lighting that is competing with the device’s screen, keeping adequate
distance between eyes and the screen, and increasing text size. Device users are also advised to
take breaks from looking at the screen, and follow the “20-20-20” rule: Take a 20-second break
every 20 minutes using an electronic device and look at something 20 feet away.

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 2.1.4. Mental Health

One problem that increasingly surface with the extensive use of mobile phones among teenagers
and students is cyberbullying. With so many apps, teens have lots of different ways to
communicate with friends. Interactions via social media and apps can rapidly spiral into
cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Bullying is a complex and relational issue, which has become
increasingly complex as bullying behavior evolves online, within the use of a mobile phone.
Perceived distance and anonymity when using a mobile phone’s social applications can mean
that online bullying can be more pervasive, intrusive and persistent. Cyberbullying has been seen
as a major factor in the increase cases of suicides, depression and social anxiety among teenagers
and students.

Other than that, excess use of smartphone and other devices may lead to attention, behavior and
self-regulation problems for adolescents already at risk for mental health issues, warns new
research. A number of cross-sectional studies have reported that individuals with mobile phone
addiction showed higher levels of depression and anxiety than normal users (Ghassemzadeh, L et
al. 2008). Excessive use of internet and smartphones can increase interpersonal problems, which
is related to depression and anxiety, such as family conflicts, lack of off-line relationships, and a
heightened need for approval in cyberspace.

2.2. Social Problems

Researchers (e.g. Ha, Chin, Park, Ryu & Yu, 2008; Yen, Hsiao, Ko, Yen, Huang, Liu, & Wang,
2010; Wang et al., 2011) have found that technology is capable of contributing to changing
behaviour which impacted the social life of individuals. Among these behaviours are health
compromising behaviours which result in individuals foregoing opportunities to engage in
physical and social activities, anti-social behaviours which result in spending less time with
family and friends, neglect of important responsibilities such as academic and career
responsibilities and disordered eating behaviours. In some instances, addiction to sexting has
been reported (Weiss & Samenow, 2010).

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 2.2.1. Addiction

Smartphone addiction is considered to be rooted in Internet addiction due to the similarity of the
symptoms and negative effects on users. Internet addiction is defined as an impulse control
disorder, characterized by pathological Internet use (Goldberg, 1996; Young, 1998). Addiction to
Smartphone is a major impact on social life. Surveys show that Smartphone addiction is
interfering with our night sleep. According to the survey retrieve from BBC News (2016) 33% of
mobile workers admitted that they check their phones for email and message throughout the
night. Nearly 50% of those surveyed said, they wouldn’t even think of going to bed without
having their Smartphones tucked under their pillows. This addiction to Smartphone is impacting
the social and family life and creating frictions in lives. The addictive behaviour of smartphone
usage also hampers students’ concentration on their studies (Hawi; Samaha 2016). Students feel
anxious when they do not have their smartphone with them. This study found that students bring
their smartphones to the toilet even if they are in a hurry to get there. Some students even use
their smartphone until the late night. These can cause tension and poor academic performance. It
is commonly known that smartphones are used in the daily-life of the people. But, addiction to
smartphone causes disturbances of the daily-life activities.

2.2.2. Manipulating information

Another aspect is that, applications installed on mobile phone can enable image and video
editing, allowing individuals to manipulate the actual content and provide their own version of
the content. This shows that most of the time there will be issues with the authenticity of
information received through these channels, and as we all know information can be circulated to
thousands of people in mere seconds through the use of a single mobile phone. This is why most
of the information that is relayed within the realm on the internet, brought accessible by a mobile
phone is false. Anybody using a mobile phone should have a clear conscience while doing so and
not believing the information that they receive blindly.

2.2.3. Overwork

According to another research, the organizations expect their employees to respond to the emails
immediately even after working hours. Due to that, employees feel compelled to respond to
official emails. Many mobile phone users engage in continuous monitoring of their work related

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emails, which creates compulsive routines of chronic checking and in the long run responsible
for increased stress. This is very relatable to being a student. Nowadays, students share their
works and projects over several groups online, accessible via mobile phone, that cause them to
constantly check and worry about it. There are evidences that mobile phone usage is responsible
to blur the distinctions between the work and family life. It causes the employees to take the
work into the home domain. As a consequence, the blurring work and family life might lead to a
worsened work–family balance.

2.2.4. Misuse

The advent of mobile phone and the nature of being connected to internet anytime and anywhere
is adding to this issue and making it much severe. It enables students to access irrelevant
contents while at school, enables working community to access social websites and other
irrelevant contents. For instance, there are plenty of applications that are being used on the
mobile phone for socially interacting with one another. Most apps such as Facebook, Wechat and
Whatsapp is based on the idea that people can easily share their thoughts, build a community and
converse publicly or privately. These apps have been recorded to be misused several times in
cases involving sexual grooming of underage kids, money scams, identity theft and several other
crimes punishable by law.

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3. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING MOBILE PHONE AS A
STUDENT

There is an old adage that applies here, “everything should be in moderation, including
moderation.” While our dependence on smartphones may incur some social and psychological
challenges as we adapt to this new society, these issues can be mitigated by a healthy balance.
Overindulgence in our smartphones can cause problems, but their benefits to our culture,
education, and businesses are well beyond the problems they might pose.

Smart phones have gained a significant place among the students and working group. There are
many applications freely available online. Such Apps can be easily downloaded and stored on
any handy device. This exploratory study has emphasized that students could use smart phones
for academic purposes extensively from simple reading, browsing and downloading academic
materials. It has wide impact on their academic performance which will boost their interest
through class participation, enhancement of learning skills, preparation and submission of
assignments on time.

A posting by Concordia University of Portland Oregon (2016) asserts that with proper school-
use of smartphones 1) students learn the way they are comfortable, 2) Students can get answers
quickly, 3) audio and video can bring learning to life, 4) access to educational applications takes
learning up a notch, and 5) smartphones allow for social learning. The posting notes that
educators “… can be a positive force in helping students to use them (smartphones) properly in
the classroom” (p. 1). The posting asserts, “We believe the focus of smartphone use in the
classroom should shift from not if they should be used, but to how best to use them” (p. 1).

Based on the research done by Siew Foen Ng, Nor Syamimi Iliani Che Hassan, Nor Hairunnisa
Mohammad Nor and Nur Ain Abdul Malek in Malaysian Online Journal of Educational
Technology (2017), they conclude that smartphones have negative effects on students’ academic
performance even though they were used for school-related learning activities. So, there is a need
to evaluate and better understand smartphone use among tertiary students.

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Generally, when students use smartphones for learning activities, information is essentially
transmitted oneway as there is no direct teaching involved. The learners noticed they needed
some bit of information, looked for it using their smartphone, plugged the answer into whatever
project they were working on and went along their way. Barrs, in his 2011 study, recommended
that detailed guidance and explanation on how to use smartphones appropriately in classroom
settings is imperative for meaningful learning. Hence, if smartphones were to be used in school-
related learning activities, it would be more successful if it involved conversations between
tutors and students. This means that having a tutor to facilitate the usage will deter students from
being distracted from their original learning.

Another obvious advantage of smartphones is that it is easier to use their mobile device to
improve student’s access to information. Whether it's general information on the internet or it's
information related to their course, the mobile device helps students achieve it faster. In the
current leaning culture of the globalization age, Elearning has been used widely and the useage
of mobile device in accessing e learning is a big advantage for student.

Mobile technology also helps research and allows for quick and easy feedback from supervisors
and lecturers. Students agree that there is faster communication with lecturers and colleagues
with the use of mobile devices. On top of that the comfort of having all course materials in a
little device is substantial in creating a positive and inviting atmosphere for studying. A student
can actually study anywhere their mobile device and internet is within reach, which is practically
everywhere.

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4. CONCLUSION

This paper has adequately summarize the many impacts mobile phones have in our life. It has
focused the discussion on the social and health aspects of the impacts. From health perspective,
we can see that excessive use of mobile phone can cause several health problems to our brain,
physicals, vision and mental health. Socially, it can cause several problems like addiction, the
spread of false information, over work and misuse of smart phones in multiple circumstances.

However, despite the many problems it causes, when used correctly, a mobile phone is proven to
be a good learning tool and assistance to students. The sheer convenience the device gives to
each student's life has proven to create a positive and inviting learning atmosphere.

Word Count : 2783

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