Top Five Ways to Die by Gadgets

BY: COMMANDER ENTERPRISE

DIE!

Although the title sounds more like a Beavis and Butthead episode, or that Megadeth song on their soundtrack, it’s no joke. We have to realise the truth that one day we can actually die of a smartphone. We just use it way too much on a daily basis for many reasons. So why not die from it just for the heck of it.

Here are a few real things to consider so we can avoid putting “Killed by a Smartphone” on some totally dead dudes.

5. Misleading Information

Misleading maps, ill functioning apps, wrong directions, wrong information or even correct functions at the wrong times can lead to death, unsurprisingly.

Although many people aren’t really aware a few people have really gotten themselves killed looking for lost phones, devices, or whatnot from apps or trackers. Some have been shot because they insist to use their phones to record, or to ignore people.

A few have died because the GPS system was giving incorrect information which lead to their deaths because they ended up in the bad parts of town or somewhere else deadly. It is not a huge statistic, but it does happen.

On the other hand, the same tech: GPS, location, tracking, surveillance apps, and overtaking remote control of your phone also happens as Edward Snowden has exposed.  Current location and activity have been used by both the authorities and KJ citizens to track people. It’s a double edged sword that is hard to judge just by its functions.

4. Heat/Radiation
As previously reported, the amount of electromagnetic waves, heat, and radiation on a daily basis is dangerous, enough to cause migraines and (maybe) cancer from radio carcinogens and heat being released by these devices. These may still be up in debate, some research still deem it inconclusive, but studies have shown that daily heavy exposure to these types of energies are enough to cause these health conditions.

This is a serious concern for many people who are strapped to their phones daily for long calls, constant viewing, sending messages, or even those who keep them comfortably close to their bodies all the time.

Devices and phones that operate on low to very low energy levels are also prone to expend more radiation and heat, and prolonged exposure to these devices at that state is even more dangerous. Sure, cigarettes, alcohol, and fast food are equally dangerous, but phones and devices are personal, and are with us all the time, making it a faster contributor to these lethal causes.




3. Crime

High end smartphones, phablets and tablets are attractive to many people, not only users and connoisseurs but also to thieves and criminals. Your humble reporter lives in the Philippines, so you better believe the third world (criminal) hype.

Possessing a killer piece might also mean it is literally a killer piece as well. It might just end up getting the owner killed because of criminals who want that phone. A high demand, high-priced gadget to steal left vulnerable, or with a chance to grab is an open invitation. Even if it means getting it with force with a gun or knife even.

And this isn’t just applicable in third world countries or shady areas. It’s hard not to use or even flaunt deluxe phones, but just using them in the wrong place can mean really bad results for the owner.

2. Accidents
This groups all types of accidents by usage, no matter how much people deny it. Many people can get hurt or much worse, just because of too much attention on the phone, making them oblivious to their surroundings, other people, vehicles (trains and jeepneys especially downtown), structures, obstacles, even dangers on the street can happen.

Using the phone while driving, crossing the street, walking around, or ignoring the immediate surroundings while glued to the phone (with loud headphones, yes) has led to some pretty nasty stuff, including getting killed because of zero front and side vision (attention). Worse, some people also use outside noise cancelling In-ear headphones or earphones that largely take away auditory perception. Adding limited vision and attention to the surroundings, it makes for some dangerous ground.

1. Explosions, Electrocutions, and Meltdowns
So far, the most direct causes of death by gadgets is the common AC charger, which has contributed to a number of people around the world getting killed from explosions, electrocutions, and meltdowns, all from different types of bad / unofficial / faulty / mystery chargers that kill their owners while they are sleeping, or even innocently using it while in a charging state.

We do have more advanced charging devices and parts now such as USB Type C’s and wireless charging that may be safer in the long run, but even then, there is still a possibility of mishaps from those. The rest who use traditional chargers via the electrical socket can still fall victim to this, so please take all the necessary precautions.