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Experts from the Gallup research agency (USA) claim that approximately every second adult in developed countries is in some way or another addicted to their smartphone. They are supported by their colleagues from Italy: according to the National Service for Children and Youth of this country, half of Italians aged 15 to 20 check their phones at least 75 times a day, and 62% write messages even at night. One can argue whether phone addiction is as serious as addiction to cigarettes or alcohol, whether it can be compared with addiction to computer games or even reading, but it is difficult to argue that many of us really find it difficult to imagine our lives without a smartphone. Where is the line between the need to always be in touch with family and friends, to instantly receive the necessary information and exchange messages, and a pathological addiction? We don't know for sure, but we can offer you a small checklist: if most of the symptoms are familiar to you, it may be time for a smart detox.
You check the time, but immediately forget it.
You check the time, look at your smartphone screen, but as soon as the phone goes back to sleep mode, you forget what time it is - and it all starts over. You're so used to constantly looking at your phone screen that it becomes a habit, an obsession, rather than a way to get information.
In an awkward situation, you always reach for your phone.
During a wait, a pause in the conversation, you grab your phone and start looking through mail or messages in the messenger, which did not interest you at all before. The phone for you is a kind of protective cloak that allows you to disappear from the space of communication in uncomfortable moments, to hide from others and the need to maintain communication with them. But this is not the best idea: instead of a small conversation or five minutes alone with your thoughts, you get a discharge of informational tension, which adds another small brick to your daily stress. And yes, this suggests that you seem to have an addiction.
Your phone is always with you.
Wherever you go: to have lunch, to the next room for an important document, even to the toilet or shower - your phone should always be next to you. Even if you are not waiting for an important call, even if it will not be very convenient for you to accept this call - you still feel more comfortable if the phone is nearby. Unfortunately, this is a bad sign: it seems that the phone is turning from a means of communication and information transfer into your master.
You lose track of time.
Have you picked up your phone to check the time, find a file you need, or quickly check something in your email, and instead you wasted half an hour scrolling through updates on Twitter or Facebook? And most importantly, you don't really understand how it happened? Honestly, it's alarming — and yes, it can be a sign of a serious addiction.
The phone is draining too quickly
Yes, of course, maybe this model just doesn't have a very good battery. Or maybe the whole thing is that your phone is constantly on?
If your phone is unavailable, you feel anxious and even panicky.
If you forget your phone at home, you feel serious anxiety during the day and try to get home and check it as soon as possible. If the battery is about to lose charge and you don’t have a charger with you, you also feel severe discomfort and calm down only when you finally manage to “feed” the phone. Any situation in which the phone may be unavailable plunges you into a feeling of anxiety, fear — and you try with all your might to avoid such cases. This is justified if the life, health of your relatives or your own depends on whether you will be in touch or not. In all other cases, unfortunately, this indicates addiction.
You are checking your messages.
Even if you didn't hear a ring or feel a vibration, you still check for missed calls and messages every 10-15 minutes. No, that's not normal. Yes, it can be a problem.
You are being haunted by “phantom” calls
Do you constantly think you hear your phone ringing or vibrating—or is it just another trick to check your messages? Unfortunately, this is most likely a sign of addiction.
You are distracted while driving.
In general, it is dangerous for your life and other road users. Checking your phone at a red light, standing in traffic, and even more so while driving is very dangerous and can cost you your life or health. And if you do this every time, maybe you should do something about your addiction.
