What would you do if you didn't have a cell phone? Most people today wouldn't even know what to do. Cell phones are a part of almost everyone's life and an important part of today's society, but this has never been the case. In the beginning the telephone was a way to communicate with other people when they called if they were at home or if they wanted to contact you, then they had to leave a message at your office or on your answering machine. Most people don't stop to consider that cell phones are considered a subculture and have changed our lives in many positive and negative ways. Cell phone use is considered a subculture when it pertains to young people. This device is becoming a cultural artifact that is shaping today's culture. Studies show that mobile phone use by adolescents around the world is characterized by heavy use of text messaging, gaming, and blogging (Ling, 2002; Pertierra, 2005). Thurlow (2003) states that adolescents are both the driving force and at the same time the slaves of the growing culture of text massage. Texting is the preferred mode of contact for almost all communication activities among young people, so they may adopt texting faster. Among the rewards granted by SMS is that of being able to avoid unwanted conversations, of not disturbing the rules of good behavior, in a simpler, faster and cheaper way. Firstly, cell phones today are increasingly easier to use. They are capable of not only receiving and making phone calls, but also taking, receiving and even sending images, sending data and information, checking email, a calendar for planning your schedule, a calculator and a variety of types of watches. (alarm clock, stopwatch and timer)....... middle of paper......, cell phones are what keep teenagers connected to other teenagers through social networks. This creates a virtual brotherhood that provides the lonely teenager with the gratification of contact with friends. Cell phones among youth have been linked to peer pressure (Wong & Hiew, 2005). They might make friends with people that they otherwise wouldn't be allowed to. In summary, cell phones have positive and negative effects on our society today and are becoming part of today's subculture. They are easier to use, can help save a life, and allow you to stay in touch with friends, family, colleagues, and other business partners. On the other hand, they carry germs, produce dangerous microwave radiation, can cause neglect in families and eye strain. They can also involve teenagers in unapproved relationships. As Stanley Victor Paskaich says, “as long as you have a cell phone you are never alone.”