Are you checking your phone compulsively? Do you feel uncomfortable when you are unable to check it? You may be addicted to your smart phone.
Are you actually addicted to your phone?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
A study of 1,600 managers and professionals found:
- 70% said they check their smartphone within an hour of getting up.
- 56% check their phone within an hour of going to sleep.
- 48% check over the weekend, including on Friday and Saturday nights.
- 51% check continuously during vacation.
- 44% said they would experience “a great deal of anxiety” if they lost their phone and couldn’t replace it for a week.
So what’s the harm in smart phone addiction?
Below is a list of just some of the dangers of prolonged use of your phone or gadgets:
- Farsightedness
- Tendonitis
- Interrupted sleep cycle
- Short attention span
- Being easily distracted
- Victimization through social media and other online outlets
How to deal with phone addiction
Can’t handle the thought of giving your phone up altogether? Psychologists suggest these few tips to help reduce the need for your phone and the associated consequences:
- Be conscious: Be aware of the situations that make you want to check your phone. It may be loneliness, boredom or anxiety. Perhaps there is something more productive you could do when the mood strikes.
- Be strong: You don’t always need to instantly respond to your phone when it alerts you. The easiest way to have a break is to turn off the alert and notification signals.
- Be disciplined: It is not always appropriate to be using your phone. Consider restricting your phone use by situations (such as while driving or when having dinner) or by time (for instance between 9pm and 7am).
If you feel you are struggling with a smart phone addiction or anxiety and would like to find a psychologist to help you, contact us today.
Article Title: Smart Phone Addiction Article By: Vision Counselling and Psychology Web Address: www.visioncounselling.com.au Published: 16/06/2016 “Addicted to Your Smart Phone? Here’s What to Do”, (WebMD, 2012), Available: https://myphonemd.net/ (Accessed 2014, October 22). “We’re Addicted to Our Smartphones”, (myPhoneMD, 2008), Available: https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/addicted-your-smartphone-what-to-do?page=3 (Accessed 2014, October 22). Image Reference: Dollar Photo Club
