The 21st century has seen rapid growth and development of mobile phone technology. Just ten years ago, it was rare to find a cell phone with Internet connectivity. Nowadays even the most standard phone has access to the Internet, along with the ability to take photos, check the calendar or run one of the thousands of applications available. Cell phones have certainly changed the way we interact with people, but is this change a good one? This essay will argue that the negative effects of cell phone communication outweigh the positive effects. It will be argued that mobile phones provide a dull substitute for real human interactions and that encouraging this method of communication could destroy family cohesion, cause antisocial behavior and provide false social satisfaction. The first downside to interacting via mobile phones is the potential they offer. they must act as a social shield. For example, if someone invited their friend, face to face, to their house to play video games, then that friend might feel obligated to say yes, so as not to feel like a bad friend. Whether this friend is having fun or not; they tried and probably developed that friendship further. If, however, this person invited his friend via text message, it would be much easier for the recipient of the message to decline or not respond at all. The result is that the sender feels rejected. Additionally, this social shield has also led people to text things that should be experienced face-to-face, like a breakup via text or breaking the news of a death in the family via a phone call. This happens simply because it is less embarrassing or easier; depriving people of the closure that can only be achieved through direct conversations. But the... center of the card... message on a regular basis. It might seem that social networking sites and text messaging are a godsend that allows people to maintain close relationships with loved ones, with the added ability to build close relationships with even more people. But these modern forms of communication could be social traps that give you a feeling of satisfaction with your intimate relationships without actually developing or promoting them. While I firmly believe that we are in the golden age of cell phones and technology will continue to steadily advance, I also think that we need to proceed with caution and monitor how important a role technology plays in our communication with each other. While I cannot present any answer that would ameliorate the negative effects of cell phones on social interaction, I might suggest that we all make an effort to interact more directly.