What is ‘airplane mode’?

Every time I fly somewhere, I am reminded of a peculiar little menu choice in my phone that I know nothing about. This choice is ‘Airplane Mode’.

What exactly is ‘Airplane Mode’?

Sometimes called ‘Flight Mode‘ on some devices, the airplane mode on communication devices (mostly cell phones) allows the device to be used without any cell phone, WiFi, or bluetooth signals to be emitted and broadcast.

You know how when you fly on an airplane and they tell you to shut off your communication devices because it interferes with traffic control? Well, the ‘Airplane Mode’ allows you to use your device for games, writing notes, etc. (if your device is capable of doing those things) without putting you and the rest of the passengers in danger from WILD CELL SIGNALS THAT WILL CRASH THE PLANE.

I personally believe that if what the flight attendants said was true, then an abundance of planes would be dropping from the sky each day. I don’t think I’ve ever turned my cell phone off during a flight to anywhere. Is there even any evidence supporting the claim that cell phone signals can disrupt air traffic control? If that’s even remotely possible then I’m kind of worried about the state of airline security.