Smartphone Addiction – Why are we addicted to smartphones?

SMARTPHONE ADDICTION WHY ARE WE ADDICTED TO SMARTPHONES?

SMARTPHONE ADDICTION The risk of smartphone addiction affects both young and old users. An average smartphone owner unlocks his phone 150 times a day.

THE NEW TERMINOLOGY Pathological phone use has given rise to a new terminology, such as: Nomophobia : the fear of going without your phone Textaphrenia: the fear that you can’t send or receive texts Phantom vibrations: the feeling that your phone is alerting you when it really isn't doing so

SMARTPHONE ADDICTION STATS -66% of the world’s population shows signs of nomophobia. - 71% usually sleep with or next to their mobile phone. - Smartphone use and depression are correlated. - 75% of Americans use their mobile phones in the toilet.

REASON BEHIND THE ADDICTION Till now, it is very clear that most of the people are obsessed with their phones. But why? What are the scientific reasons behind it? Let's find out!

PART OF AN EXTENDED SELF Everyone is attached to his "extended self" that is - his body, clothes, house, spouse and children. Same happens with a phone. It becomes a part of our extended self and we get anxious whenever it is lost.

FULFILLS NEED TO PRODUCE Our "second nature to copy, imitate, make models, and explore difference". Phones help us do that. We take pictures, join discussions, curate a selfie. By texting back and forth, we weave conversation.

THE FEEL-GOOD FACTOR Holding our phone has the same effect as when a parent looks lovingly at her child. Dopamine and oxytocin, which play a role in the addiction "high," kick in. These chemicals also create a sense of belonging and attachment.

AND SUDDENLY, A HABIT FORMS When you open your phone, dopamine releases. Once the impact of the dopamine goes away, your brain starts craving more. What's an easy way to get that surge of dopamine? Picking up your phone. That's how, a habit forms.

LIVING WITH TECHNOLOGY If your phone feels like it’s become an addiction, there are steps you can take to train yourself to use your phone in healthier ways. Feel that phantom ringing? It’s a productive, restful life calling. You should answer it!

Meanwhile, if you are still spending time on your smartphone, it’s better to spend it while exploring something knowledgeable. Explore more interesting topics! CLICK HERE!