[pythonaut_16]

We were without antibiotics for hundreds of years but no one's suggesting we go back to that.

We were without mandatory seat belts for decades but no one's suggesting we go back to that.

I just don't find the argument that there was a time where we did without something as a compelling counter argument to the perceived utility something serves today.

[beat]

Given the impact cell phones have had on auto accidents (someone using their phone in the car is about as dangerous as a drunk driver, statistically), I'd say overall, society is less safe due to cell phones.

And, as I pointed out downthread... when's the last time someone actually had to reach you via cell phone for an actual emergency? Particularly when it's something you need to act on rather than just be informed? Virtually all the use of our cell phones falls into "urgent but not important"... the notifications alerting us that Someone Is Wrong On The Internet.

[Posibyte]

I would like to see the impact mobile phones and had on health and safety against the two items you've put forward.

Again, while I agree that it would eschew security for the sake of immersion, not wearing a seatbelt or not getting antibiotics could be a certain death sentence in many everyday life circumstances. Not having a mobile phone would not constitute such a dire situation in my eyes.