The growing use and popularity of cell phones and other portable communications devices has contributed to the phenomenon of text and instant messaging that is rapidly replacing voice calls and face-to-face conversations. Prinz et al (2001: 119) note the significant reduction in the number of telephone calls made even on special occasions such as Christmas and other holidays. While mobile communication devices have made transnational and intercontinental communication cheap, rapid, and convenient, they have also negatively contributed to human interaction and relationship maintenance. In this essay I will discuss the positive and negative effects that cell phones and other portable communication devices have had on human interactions and relationships. I will use more negative effects than positive to show that despite the benefits, they did more harm than good. Mobile devices have made it easier than ever to connect with family and friends, wherever they are. Nowadays there are mobile apps, websites, etc. which allow simple and free communication between any two locations in the world. The convenience afforded by these features has meant that people no longer worry about making expensive long-distance phone calls or purchasing tickets to visit loved ones because virtually any news can be transmitted using portable devices. These portable devices not only allow people to stay in touch with their current friends, but also to make new friends and expand their social circle with virtually no effort on the part of either party (O'Keeffe, GS, Clarke-Pearson , K. & Council on Communications & Media, 2011: 801). According to Lenhart et al (2010: 4), 21% of adolescents who would otherwise not go online access the Internet... middle of paper... against abuse and other negative effects. Works Cited Bamford, A. (2004). Cyberbullying. AHISA National Pastoral Care Conference, Melbourne. Australia, September 2004: 1-7Chóliz, M. (2010). Cell phone addiction: a trouble spot. Addiction, 105(2): 374–375Lenhart, A., Ling, R., Campbell, S., & Purcell, K. (2010). Teenagers and cell phones. Washington, DC: Pew Internet and American Life Project, [online]. Available at www.pewinternet.com [Last accessed 2 November 2012]O'Keeffe, G.S., Clarke-Pearson, K. & Council on Communications & Media (2011). The impact of social media on children, adolescents and families. Pediatrics, 127(4): 800-804Prinz, W., Jarke, M., Rogers, Y., Schmidt, K. & Wulf, V. (2001). yes, tngrs luv 2 sends txt messages? Proceedings of the Seventh European Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work, September 2001, Bonn, Germany: 219-238