When we think about mobile phone problems, we tend to think about performance issues, smashed screens, and dead battery. But with the number of problems associated with our mobile phones, there’s another, more serious problem that we need to think about. Yes, we are talking about smartphone addiction which is growing dramatically and a recent survey found that around 50% of people felt that they are severely addicted to their phones that create a negative impact on their lives. Is it real?
Statistics
Even though it’s impossible to come up with the exact data that exactly how many people are cellphone addicts, there are some scary statistics with some interesting numbers.
- On average, a person checks his or her phone 47 times a day
- 47% of people have tried to reduce their phone use, but 30% of those get success.
- 85% of people face no issues using their phones while talking to family or friends.
- 80% of people use phones before sleeping.
While it is true that technology has led to many conveniences in our daily lives, it has also brought us other issues. Cell phone addiction is the biggest effect on how technology has impacted our lives. Furthermore, with the recent explosion of iPhones, Androids, and other smart devices has caused the smartphone addiction to rise to an alarming rate.
*Samsung, Huawei, Oppo mobiles and other Chinese brands come up with the best cellphone features that make people crazy about video games, apps, cameras, etc.
In this informative article, we have summed up a few signs, consequences of phone addiction, and possible ways to cure it. Let’s begin:
What Exactly Is Smartphone Addiction?
Ever think about how often and why you use your mobile every other minute? Do you promise yourself that you’re going to reduce the usage but then find using it anyway? Smartphone addiction, aka nomophobia, is being addicted to your phone––same as you get addicted to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, gambling, video games, or even shopping. Not everyone suffers from smartphone addiction, but the majority does and finds ways to get rid of it.
Did you know?
The average person uses their smartphone for almost three hours (that’s 171 minutes a day), with 76 of those minutes spent on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media apps.
Signs/Symptoms
- Feelings of anxiety, unease, irritability if unable to access your phone.
- Reaching out your phone the first thing when you awake.
- Using the phone whenever bored.
- Become anxious when the phone is out of sight.
- Wanting to stop using, or decrease your smartphone usage, but failing to do so.
- Using your phone for longer and scrolling here and there.
- Continuous using your phone even though eyes or fingers get tired.
- Other people complain about your phone usage.
Consequences of Phone Addiction
- Sleep Deprivation
- Depression and Loneliness
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Narcissism
- ADD
- Back and neck problem
- Eyesight and hearing problems
- Become less productive
- Sleep deprivation and disruption
- Injury
- Social effects
How to Beat It?
Well, there’s no specific way to get rid of phone addiction, and there are several kinds of things a person can do to get rid of this problem. The best way is to get benefit from cognitive behavior therapy––visit a psychologist.
Other methods:
- Monitor your usage.
- Switch your phone for some hours.
- Keep it out of sight for some time.
- Set yourself a schedule––using timers and alarms if necessary, so you only use your phone when necessary.
- Delete apps that waste your time and energy.
- Consider watching TV, talking to friends or family, going out for a walk, etc.
- It’s a great idea to join gym and swimming classes.
- Consider having a digital detox. Lock away all gadgets and screens for some time.
Last words
It is easy to get access to phones at teenage these days. Youngsters are getting exposed and addicted to their phones. Also, the problem can come from non-stop checking social media updates, heavy gaming and other functionality of smartphones.
Using your phone is no harm, but doing so constantly can have adverse effects on your health and mind. If you’re worried that your addiction is so serious that none of the above methods can help you, then you must look for professional help.