Are you addicted to your phone?

Phone addiction is the obsessive use of a smartphone. The behavioral addiction is often dubbed as “nomophobia,” or the fear of being without a mobile device. 

The rise in phone use seems like a natural necessity for modern life, however, it can also cause concern and negative consequences. 

Access to a smartphone can make life easier by making information accessible. Still, the convenience comes at a price. The devices are carefully designed to be hard to put down. Through its colors, sounds, and vibrations, the technology purposely keeps its users engaged. 

According to former Google design ethicist Tristan Harris, features like “pull to refresh” were inspired by slot machines and other casino games. Designers and engineers meticulously develop every aspect of the device to create fanatical users. Phone addiction may lead to: 

Sleep deficit

Lower concentration 

Creativity blocks 

Aggravated ADD

Anxiety

Reduced cognition 

Stress

Loneliness

Insecurity 

Impaired relationships

Poor grades

Psychological disorders

Below are a few ways to discern if someone has signs and symptoms of a phone addiction:

Loved ones expressing concern.

Neglect or trouble completing duties at work, school, or home.

More and more time using a phone.

Checking peoples’ profiles repeatedly due to anxiety.

Accidents or injury due to phone use.

Working later to complete tasks.

Weak or non-existent social life.

Isolation from loved ones. 

A feeling of lack of connection.

Angry or irritated if phone use is interrupted. 

Getting up at night to check a phone.

Reaching for the phone the moment they are alone or bored.

Phantom vibrations (thinking the phone buzzes when it doesn’t).

Limiting phone use is difficult.

Source:Addictioncenter.com