Use of cell phone shielding bags in theaters
When audiences entered the venue of Chicago comedian Dave Chappelle's performance, they were surprised to receive cell phone shielding bags.
Audiences put their phones into the bags one after another, and the bags were locked during the performance and could only be unlocked when they left the designated "no cell phone zone".
Why is this practice implemented in theaters?
- Cinemas and concerts are among the places where the public is most sensitive to the use of mobile phones. During movie screenings or performances, audiences often look down at their phones and disturb others.
- Some movie-watching behaviors also involve copyright and piracy issues. In order to keep confidentiality, mobile phones need to be placed appropriately.
- Mobile phones are also personal property. The theater has set up a mobile phone placement area to make it easier for the owner to find the lost mobile phone key
Interference caused by mobile phone use and the theater's response
During the screening of a movie or drama, it is common for the audience to see people around them texting and browsing social media in the dark, and even hear loud noises from mobile phones.
The American cinema chain Alamo Drafthouse is famous for its strict policy of prohibiting the use of mobile phones. The company not only requires customers to remain quiet during the movie screening, but also takes immediate action when the audience violates the rules, and even asks them to leave the theater.
In 2011, the company released an advertising video that played an angry voice message left by a customer who was kicked out of the theater for violating the rules of using a mobile phone, which sparked heated public discussion.
The pros and cons of using mobile phone jammers around the world
| The pros of using mobile phone blockers | 1. Mobile phone blocking technology has been developed for a long time, is mature, and is low-cost. Radio jamming technology has existed since World War II, and now these devices have developed to block mobile phone signals within a range of several meters to tens of meters. Moreover, these devices are very cheap, usually available for less than $100. |
| 2. The use of cell phone blockers by the government or in special occasions can protect privacy and maintain order. For example, in Japanese cinemas, mobile phone jammer equipments are installed for the audience's viewing experience. In addition, the South African government also blocked mobile phone signals during the 2015 State of the Nation Address to prevent reporters from reporting on the scene, which triggered strong public protests. | |
| The cons of using phone jammers | 1. The disorderly use of mobile phone jammer devices causes social chaos. In Australia, the Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) banned the use of radio interference devices, including mobile phone signal jammers, as early as 2011 to avoid social disorder caused by disorderly use. |
| 2. The disorderly use of phone blockers in public places will interfere with emergency communications. The use of mobile phone jammers in public places involves some complex issues. The use of shielding devices in places such as hotels and cinemas may cause communication interruptions in emergencies, which will lead to a series of liability issues. |
The use of cell phone jammer rs is at the intersection of technology and law. Although many people support blocking mobile phone signals in public places to ensure that they are not disturbed, how to balance individual communication rights with collective experience is still an issue that has not been fully resolved.
