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‘Vices’ committed with mobile devices

With the advancement of hardware, we have access to light-weight and high-tech devices we can use while on the go. They include mobile phones, tablets, phablets and “wearables’.

It has made connecting and interacting via the Internet very easy and it is done in real time. According to International Telecommunication Union (ITU), there would be seven billion mobile subscriptions globally in 2014; about three billion people would be using the Internet. 

But the number of mobile devices is expected to exceed the number of people on earth with 7.7billion mobile phones and tablets, according to Newstex. 

These millions of devices are being used by a lot of people to commit some ‘vices’. Most people cannot live without their mobile phones. 

They suffer from nomophobia(no-mobile-phone phobia): the fear of being without mobile phone contact.

Common ‘vices’ committed with mobile devices

Some of the common vices people commit with mobile devices include:

Buying fake mobile devices: One of the major vices committed using mobile devices is people buying fake models of known brands or inferior brands because of price affordability. It ends up becoming more dangerous because they (the devices) may end up burning or blowing up during charging or start malfunctioning and require repairs. Avoid buying fake devices. If it is a matter of affordability or availability, it is better to buy simple and affordable versions of known brands.

No manual manner: Every device comes with manufacturer’s guidelines or manual. But many users of these devices either read some portions of the manual or do not read at all. They are in a hurry to handle the device and start using it right away. As long as it comes on and responds to the typing on keyboard or touching on the screen, they forget there is more to using the device. It is basic that you read the manual so you know how to optimize the features of the mobile devices. It increases the lifespan of the devices and saves money by not buying a new one or repairing the existing one. Have the manner to read manuals.

Not device security conscious: Since the devices go everywhere you go and you use them to capture and store data, you must protect your privacy using the available security features.  Do not be part of the people who think since they have the phone in their hands or with them, they do not need to secure their device and the data on them. Lock your touch screens and keyboard with a password. Log out from apps when you are done using them. Connect via secured Wi-Fi or networks only.

Repairing with unlicensed centres: You must know where to take your device for repairs or for routine checks when they malfunction or require some repairs. It is best to use licensed repair centres. Major brands have 12 to 24 months warranty which can cover the cost of repairs or replacement of the device. Licensed centres must be your first port of call for repairs. In areas where you do not have these centres, find an experienced repairer with a track record or better still, a retail centre. But ask questions and be careful. 

Buying fake accessories: Many mobile devices come with accessories. Save money by buying original accessories from the right retailers. Some fake accessories end up blowing up the mobile devices and injuring the user. Save your life and money. Do not fall for fake accessories.

Addiction to device and alerts: Notifications are now part of most operating systems and applications running on mobile devices. Whenever content is sent to the contact of a mobile user, an alert is triggered. Most people get addicted to these alerts to the extent that they cannot concentrate on anything without checking every alert. They do this in meetings, at events, on dates and while driving. They cannot even stay a day or a few hours without checking the alerts on their devices. 

Using devices during interactions: Are you so attached to your device to the extent that when you are hanging out with people or in a meeting, you unconsciously use your devices? It is a vice. Have quality time with friends and family without committing any vice with your devices. Use it when it relates to the people and has something to do with the interaction. Learn to put off your device sometimes. Respect the people you interact with by not letting your device become a vice of distraction. Stop ‘phonicating’ when you are with other people. 

No or less sense of privacy: Most people to do not observe any sense of privacy. Know what to say when you are alone and when with other people. Say things that the people around must hear. Avoid sharing private information with the other person on the other end of a call in the presence of strangers or people who must not hear what you are saying. Do not share private contents with other people who you do not trust now or later. Avoid sharing your location all the time across multiple apps that use GPS. Protect your privacy.

Installing apps from third party websites: Avoid installing applications from third party websites. Most mobile devices come with pre-installed store where you can find, download and install applications compatible and approved for their operating system. We have Google Play by Google, AppStore by Apple, Windows by Microsoft, Nokia Store by Nokia and others.Apps from some third party or unapproved stores can be storehouses of viruses or malwares which can slow down the device.

No cleaning or ‘disinfection’ of devices: We take our mobile devices to and from places with different unhygienic conditions. Sometimes they gather dust or attract bacteria along the way. Do not forget to clean your mobile devices very often. Use prescribed antibacterial wipes or clean materials. You can also send it to licensed repair centres for cleaning. It is important to avoid placing the devices on unhygienic surfaces. Research shows that mobile devices carry and spread bacteria easily or have 10 times more bacteria than a toilet bowl. Devices used in health centres, refuse dumps or unhygienic places must be cleaned (or disinfected) to avoid spreading germs, micro organisms or viruses.

Managing batteries of devices wrongly: Know how to charge your device. Some must be charged for some number of hours or to a percentage before they are used for the first time. Few require that you charge the Lithium-based battery before it falls below 40 per cent but below 100 per cent so it lasts longer. Some batteries have a number of times they must be allowed to hit 0 per cent or charged 100 per cent. 

They must be stored in temperatures not above 50 degrees. Cooler temperatures (15 per cent is recommended) better protect batteries while average temperature of 20C will cause Lithium-ion battery to lose 20 per cent of maximum capacity every year. Avoid watching videos, streaming online or browsing heavy-data website when you do not have a charger with you. Dimming screen’s brightness or turning off notifications saves battery life. Observe rules that will extend the life of your battery per charge and for longer. Check the manual on how to manage the battery the right way. 

Poor contacts management: Mobile devices have the application for storing, editing and sharing contacts and files. Create your contacts properly and sensitive contacts can be named in names that you can recollect. Saving names of family and friends in some pseudonyms (or pen names) can be used by other people for social engineering to defraud you or them when criminals have access to your unlocked missing or misplaced phone. Also do not use names that are derogatory or sensitive to the people. Use actual names when needed or pennames that cannot be decoded easily. Be sure of the privacy settings of the other or online platforms you store your contacts too.

Ignorance of subscription deals: It is a vice not knowing the subscription packages you are on with your service provider on your mobile device. Be clear of the amount of data or voice packages you have to use so you know how to also manage your mobile device. Some deals are time-based while others are unlimited. Some devices (or their operating systems) consume a lot of data while others do not. When your device needs or goes for repairs your subscription may expire or still be running. Turn off data connection or close apps when they are not in use so you can save your data deal from running out. Lock phone screens so you do not dial numbers unknowingly to run out your airtime. Know your subscription deals.

Poor disposal of dead or used devices: Do not readily dispose your mobile device if you do not want to use them any longer or be repaired. Do not sell or give your used mobile devices to another person without resetting it to factory setting or deleting all your information stored on them. These devices also have poisonous chemicals in them so you must correctly throw them away the right way as stated in the manual or at designated centres. Batteries can explode when exposed to high temperatures. Avoid burning them.

Attracting criminals, thieves and robbers: Having the latest mobile device does not mean you must show it to everybody or use it just anywhere. You must know that thieves or armed robbers can follow you to break into your car, office or home to steal your mobile device. Your device may attract them when you use them in public places or while walking in isolated areas. Leave your tablet at home or in the office when going to public places. Keep or hide your device in your pocket or purse when you are walking in public places. Do not mention security codes or credit card information on your phone while speaking in public places. When under attack at gun point, do not try to use your device openly.

 

The writer is a Technology Consultant, Digital/Social Media Strategist and Trainer.

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