Smartphone Addiction Facts
Although
cell phones allow individuals to have unlimited access to information and to
connect with others in a way otherwise thought impossible, there are many
harmful and disturbing effects of smartphone dependence. Cell phone addiction,
sometimes referred to as problematic mobile phone use, is a behavioral
addiction thought to be similar to that of an Internet, gambling, shopping, or video game addiction and leads to severe
impairment or distress in one’s life.
·
In a study conducted by Baylor University,
cell phone addiction was linked to:1
o Impulsiveness and materialism.
o A preoccupation with material objects as opposed to
intellectual, spiritual, or cultural values.
·
The obsessive use of a smartphone
has been compared to that of credit card misuse and compulsive buying.2
·
Cell phones have become a
representation of social status and
thus, there is pressure to own the newest release and to have all of the best
applications.
·
People suffering from this condition
oftentimes have what has been coined “nomophobia,” or the fear of being without
one’s cell phone.
·
Problematic cell phone
users can develop a social media addiction as
well, which has a number of harmful effects on the user, such as:3
o Impaired self-esteem.
o Impaired work performance.
o Interpersonal conflicts.
With
the widespread accessibility of cell phones at a younger age now, teenagers are
especially prone to developing an addiction to their cell phones or social
media. Whether you or a loved one suffers from a cell phone addiction,
there is hope for recovery.
Below
are some more statistics associated with smartphone use:
·
60% of U.S. college students consider
themselves to have a cell phone addiction.4
·
71% of people sleep with or next to their
cell phones.5
·
35% of people think of
their cell phones when they wake up while only 10% of people think of their
significant others.5
·
44% of 18-24 year olds have fallen asleep
with their phone in their hand.5
·
36% of people check their phones
constantly, while 54% of young adults are checking constantly.5
·
Nearly 40% of people never disconnect from
cell phones, even while on vacation .5
·
44% of Americans say they couldn’t go a day
without their mobile devices.5
Signs and Symptoms of Smartphone Addiction
Some
major signs and symptoms of smartphone addiction include:
·
Tolerance.
·
Withdrawal.
·
Failed attempts to cut back on smartphone
use.
·
Loses track of time when using mobile
phone.
·
Uses cell phone in order to deal with
unwanted emotions.
·
Text neck.
·
Digital eye strain.
