We all know that technology advances at a remarkably fast rate. Cell phones being on the top of this list. There are thousands upon thousands of apps and there are constantly more apps being created. Some of these apps include reported "tools" to help in the investigations world. The question is, are they worth it?
There's no doubt that I believe that most devices should at least be experimented with. It doesn't hurt to try something out once or twice, just to see if it has any potential. The worst that can happen is that you realize it's useless and discard it. Hey. if you're lucky you just might catch something that correlates with your other equipment, which may help validate some of the experiences you're having or someone else has had.
One of these apps is the "Ghost Radar" available for download for a mere 99 cents. It claims to take several different electrical readings from withing the immediate area and translate these readings into either words, or a blip on a radar screen. This reportedly allows an investigator to either communicate with and entity, or track it's movement or location respectively. I myself thought "what the hell? It's only 1 dollar. What's the worst that can happen?" So i bought it and tried it out.
I can go into lots of details and explain my outlook on this program, but I'd rather not get into it. I'll try to stay away from slander and defamation, especially considering I know nothing of it's actual internal workings. Let's just say that I do not and will not use it.
I'm sure there are many other apps available that I myself have not experimented with the maybe exceptionally capable of it's proclaimed uses. For example, a white noise generator. This is such a simple concept and can even be found for free. All it has to do is produce an audible white noise, such as a running fan or the noise you hear on a static television channel. It's hard to fail at creating such an app.
Anyway, let's get back to the issue at hand. Should a paranormal investigation team use cell phone apps during an investigation?
Cell phones, which I believe are very capable of helping during an invesitagtion may simultaneously hinder an investigation. I'll explain why.
Imagine that you're in the middle of an investigation. Things have been quiet, but suddenly your emf detector starts jumping and yourself or your members start hearing noises. You're thinking "Sweet! Finally! We've been waiting on this all night!" And then suddenly, a ringtone goes off. People jump, nerves get worked up and bam! The activity is gone. You spend the rest of the night searching for more activity, but nothing. That very cellphone that you were using as a tool may very well have ruined that perfect piece of evidence.
Don't fret though! There is a solution. I recommend that if you or your team intend on using a cell phone, ensure that you have a cell phone that allows you to shut off your signal! I have no idea which phones have this capability but I know for sure that my Blackberry does. I'm sure there are many others that do. Also, make sure that you shut off other things such as an alarm or a reminder if you have any set!
So in my opinion, Cell phones are worth experimenting with, but please, take precautions before you go into the investigation! I want to see you capture that perfect piece of evidence just as much as you do!
