In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone apps is becoming increasingly common. Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?
Over the past few years, mobile payment applications have experienced rapid growth in popularity, reshaping the way financial transactions are conducted. This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend and argue that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
One of the most significant advantages of mobile payment platforms is the accessibility they provide in routine financial exchanges. Carrying physical money or bank cards is becoming less essential, thanks to digital wallets that allow users to complete purchases effortlessly on their mobile devices. For instance, while travelling in Tokyo, I often use Google Pay to pay for my subway rides, which helps me avoid buying paper tickets and saves time during my trip. Another benefit is that mobile payment services have made it much easier to split costs among several people, which is especially useful in social situations. This convenience removes the need for carrying small change or keeping complicated records of who owes what. For example, when dining at a restaurant with friends, each person can instantly transfer their share of the bill through an app, preventing awkward delays and making the process smooth and transparent.
On the other hand, despite their substantial strengths, there are also some downsides that should be taken into account. One major concern is the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks, which may lead to the exposure of sensitive financial information if users fail to secure their devices properly. As a case in point, should a user connect to a public Wi-Fi network in a café and make a payment, a sophisticated hacker could intercept the transaction, obtaining the user’s card details without their knowledge. Furthermore, another drawback is the constant need for technology and internet access, including a charged device and uninterrupted network connectivity, conditions that may not be met in remote areas or during unexpected circumstances. This can be seen when travellers in rural villages are unable to carry out mobile payments due to poor signal coverage or a dead battery.
In conclusion, while mobile payments offer notable advantages such as convenience and streamlined cost-sharing, they also present challenges such as vulnerability to cyber threats and dependence on stable technology and internet access. Therefore, their benefits are likely to outweigh the drawbacks if users put in place proper security measures and ensure reliable access to the necessary infrastructure.
IELTS Writing Task 2
Science and Technology