Cellphones may ignite risky behaviour

Washington, Mar 4 (UNI) Carrying a cellphone may fuel risky behaviour especially among women, due to the sense of security it provides, a study shows.

A study carried out by US researchers revealed that college goers who carry cellphones feel safer than those without, and are more likely to put themselves in risky situations like going out for walks late in the night.

The researchers conducted two seperate surveys, each of about 300 students aged below 24 years.

The study published in the International Journal of Urban and Regional Research found that 42 per cent of the women, compared to 28 per cent of men, were willing to go for a walk at night somewhere they would normally not go, if they carry a cellphone.

''Students seem to feel less vulnerable when they carry a cellphone, although there is no evidence they really are,'' said study author Jack Nasar of Ohio State University.

Cellphones instill a sense of security especially among women, which makes them feel safer. ''They are probably less safe as they are paying less attention to their surroundings,'' he noted.

As of December last year, nearly 90 per cent of Americans aged 18 to 29 years old reported owning a cell phone, with 32 per cent of these young adults indicating they ''couldn't live without'' their mobile, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Survey.

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