Due to recent innovations, instant messaging and cell phones have consumed our daily lives, and the effects of both have negatively impacted society. The invention of mobile phones has made life easier in many ways, but problems such as health and safety issues have also arisen. The reason why cell phones are necessary and crucial is clear: convenience. It's easier, more effective and much faster than visiting the person you want to contact, sending a letter or telegram or using your home phone. Another reason for the popularity of this electronics is peer pressure. People don't like to be left out, which is one of the reasons why Apple releases a new iPhone almost every year and so many people buy it even if their current phone is in good condition. One of the most pronounced effects of instant messaging on society is its effect on literacy. Text abbreviations, such as acronyms like LOL or OMG, that leave the "g" out of a word or remove vowels from a word, are for efficiency and speed purposes. An example of this comes from a hypothetical formal note assignment written by a first-year law student at IDC-Herzliya: “xs cmpnstn fnds wl b nvstd 4srvvng fmly mmbrs,” which apparently means “Excess compensation funds will invested for surviving family members ” (Berman. ) Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned” Get an original essay Needless to say, the student was promptly removed from the class for which the formal note had been written. Instant messaging slang has a bad reputation due to its sloppiness, ability to be easily confused, and its presence in formal writings, but research has shown that young people who use texting slang they are cultivating their understanding of the language and culture and therefore increasing their literacy (Craig) There is still much more research that can be conducted on this topic, but currently studies show that instant messaging has positive effects on the ability to read and write. Security is another huge effect of instant messaging. The ability to easily call authorities or emergency services is an extraordinary privilege for cell phone users compared to those in third world countries. But this advantage can also be used for evil and illegal actions. Sexual predators and online bullies float on the Internet, waiting to attack an unknown victim. Illegal deals and conversations between criminals on the “dark web” represent another harmful use of the Internet and instant messaging. The overall danger of being able to contact a complete stranger and be able to tell them anything is mind-boggling. Another danger linked to instant messaging is distracted driving. Thousands of people die every year due to car accidents and one of the major causes of accidents is none other than cell phones. The driver usually looks at a message on the phone and does not pay attention to the roadway, and an accident occurs. It is very sad that so many people lose their lives like this, all because of instant messaging. Another obvious effect of instant messaging is health problems. Cell phones are usually used for instant messaging, but they have some dangerous consequences. Zahid Naeem of Quassim University wrote: Cell phones emit radio frequency energy, a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which can.