Is There Such Thing as ‘Smartphone Addiction’? Some Tips to Control Your Phone Usage
There’s no denying that Smartphone has become one of the most popular technologies in the world today. Nearly one in three adults in UK owns a Smartphone, said a report on BBC. The Google Android and the IPhone from Apple are considered the most famous. Smartphones come in so many types, designs, and models. These devices make it possible for people to communicate easily, check their emails, surf the web, call, and send messages without having to turn on their personal computers or laptops.
Why do many people get hooked to Smartphones?
Many people use their Smartphones more than necessary. They look on their phones the moment they wake up and before they sleep. Some make it a habit to mindlessly browse their Smartphone features even if they have done so a couples of times already in the day. These scenarios often lead many people on wondering what is in Smartphones that make people go crazy about them.
There isn’t a clear reason yet why numerous people are hooked to Smartphones. But according to avoid Greenfield, PhD, a West Hartford, Conn, it’s a well-established fact that the internet and some forms of computer use are addictive. And although there’s still no such thing a Smartphone addiction, things will end up there, he said.
Basically, there are guidelines before a habit is considered an addiction. For instance, a person must show withdrawal symptoms when they don’t engaged in the habit, and these symptoms can be very harmful to one’s life. According to Greenfield, computers can be addictive because they have the ability to alter one’s mood and often, they give enjoyable or pleasurable feelings.
But even if it’s not addicting, Smartphones can greatly affect your productivity levels and your relationship with other people at home, work, or in school. For instance, you could be disappointing your friend over a lunch date because you’re too busy posting a status on your Facebook wall. Or, you could be embarrassing your colleagues in the office because instead of listening on their opinions during a meeting, you’re absorbed in checking your emails.
Experts recommend three simple tips to control your Smartphone usage and get away from the possibility of ‘Smartphone addiction’:
· Be mindful.
What are the things that trigger you to check your Smartphone every now and then? Is it boredom? Is it stress? Maybe you’re too exhausted working on a document that you want to have some sort of relaxation by surfing the net through your phone. Is it anxiety? Possibly, there are other ways to soothe make you feel better. For instance, you can take a fifteen-minute walk, do some stretching, take a nap, etc.
· Resist the temptation.
No all messages and calls are urgent in nature. Once in a while, forget about answering those calls or messages in an instant. It can be helpful to set your phone to a silent mode so it doesn’t disrupt you while working or doing some important stuff.
· Know your limits
Discipline is the key. Know when and where to use your Smartphone. Don’t hold it when you drive, or when you’re spending quality time with your family, attending an important meeting, going to the church, and similar things.
By following these tips, you will not fall into the habit of excessive Smartphone use and become more in control of your life.