Final answer:
Cell phones distract students by providing multiple sources of stimulation that hinder focus on educational tasks, and the habit of frequently checking cell phones impacts students' productivity and learning. Studies show that non-use of devices during class leads to better grades and there is a need for etiquette surrounding cell phone use in sensitive settings like hospitals and airplanes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cell phones distract students because they are a source of multiple forms of stimulation such as social media, games, and instant messaging that can divert attention from educational tasks. This can make it challenging for students to focus on a single task without being distracted, leading to decreased productivity in academic environments. Moreover, the habit of constantly checking cell phones might be driven by the fear of missing out (FOMO), with studies indicating that many users check their phones for messages or calls even when the phone wasn't ringing and many find their cell phone to be indispensable.
Studies have shown that students who refrain from using screens in class tend to achieve better grades, as multitasking with digital devices can impair the ability to concentrate and learn effectively. There is a need for new norms and behaviors around cell phone usage in public and educational settings, as the technology advances and becomes more intertwined with our daily lives. For instance, professors may enforce rules to maintain social control and minimize distractions from cell phones during class.
Lastly, the proliferation of mobile devices has necessitated the development of etiquette and guidelines in settings such as hospitals and airplanes where the operation of sensitive equipment can be affected by the frequencies used by communication devices.