Good [morning/afternoon], respected judges, worthy opponents, and dear
audience.
Today, I stand before you to shed light on a device that has become an
inseparable part of our lives — the mobile phone. While it was invented to
bring people closer, ironically, it is now one of the biggest contributors to
social isolation, mental health issues, and even moral decay.
Mobile phones, though convenient, have created a society that is distracted,
disconnected, and dependent. Let us not be blinded by their benefits and
instead examine the serious harm they are causing to individuals and society
as a whole.
1. Addiction and Mental Health Issues
Mobile phones have led to what experts now call “nomophobia” — the fear of
being without a mobile device. Teenagers especially spend hours scrolling,
texting, and checking notifications. This constant engagement increases
anxiety, stress, and even depression. Research from Pakistan shows over
51% of students show signs of smartphone addiction. Is this the progress we
wanted?
2. Reduced Attention and Productivity
How can students focus when their phones buzz every minute? The urge to
check messages and social media ruins concentration. Studies show that the
mere presence of a mobile phone reduces cognitive capacity—even when it’s
turned off! Productivity, both at work and in school, is under threat.
3. Impact on Relationships and Social Skills
We are surrounded by people, yet feel more alone than ever. Why? Because
we choose screens over conversations. “Pubbing” — ignoring others to stay
glued to our phones — is now common. Family dinners are replaced by
silence and glowing screens. Is this connection or isolation?
4. Health Hazards
From eye strain and neck pain to sleep disturbances, mobile phones are
affecting our bodies. The blue light emitted interferes with our natural sleep
cycle, leading to insomnia and fatigue. Physical health is silently paying the
price for digital convenience.
5. Privacy and Security Risks
Our phones hold everything — messages, photos, bank details — all in one
place. But what if that information is leaked or hacked? Many apps collect
data without permission. And public Wi-Fi? A playground for cybercriminals.
Our privacy is at constant risk.
6. Environmental Impact
Every mobile phone we use requires rare minerals, causing habitat
destruction and pollution. And when we discard them? They become
electronic waste, leaking harmful chemicals into our soil and water. This is a
hidden cost we can no longer ignore.
7. Safety Hazards
We’ve all seen it — people texting while crossing roads or driving. A few
seconds of distraction can cost a life. Mobile phones are not just a personal
risk; they’re a public safety hazard.
8. Financial Burden
Mobile phones are expensive, and the pressure to upgrade to the latest
model is constant. Add data plans, app subscriptions, and repairs, and we
have a financial burden, especially for families with multiple users. Is the cost
really worth it?
9. TikTok, Facebook & Social Media Dangers
Let’s talk about the biggest trap inside our phones — apps like TikTok,
Facebook, and Instagram. These platforms have turned our youth into
scrolling machines.
Instead of learning, students waste hours on meaningless content.
Dangerous challenges and trends on TikTok have even cost lives.
Facebook and Instagram promote unrealistic lifestyles, leading to
comparison, jealousy, and low self-esteem.
These apps are designed to be addictive, keeping users hooked through
likes, shares, and algorithms that manipulate our emotions.
The result? Less education, more anxiety. Less reality, more illusion.
10. Academic Damage and Writing Skills
Studies from Peshawar show that over 60% of students use phones mainly
for social interaction, leading to poor academic performance. Moreover,
overuse negatively affects students’ writing skills, spelling, and grammar.
11. Psychological and Behavioral Effects
Research highlights links between mobile phone overuse and anxiety,
depression, loneliness, and even aggression and mood swings. The constant
comparisons on social media damage self-esteem. Children show signs of
addiction, anger, and withdrawal when phones are taken away.
[Closing]
Respected judges and dear audience, mobile phones may offer convenience,
but the damage they are doing is far greater. They are stealing our time,
harming our minds, weakening our relationships, and risking our future.
Let us not be the generation that traded peace of mind for a screen. Let us
be wise enough to control technology before it controls us.
Thank you.
