Signs of Smartphone Addiction
Baylor University professor James Roberts believes:
“It is incumbent upon researchers to identify the all-important ‘tipping point,’ where cell-phone use crosses the line from a helpful tool to one that enslaves both users and society alike.”
But where is that line? For full “addicted status,” Dr. Greenfield believes smartphone use has to impact major life areas such as: work, academics, home life, and relationships. Below are 10 signs that may indicate a teen is addicted to their smartphone:
- Looking at their smartphone upon waking and last thing before going to sleep
- Checking notifications during the night
- Losing interest in activities that don’t include a smartphone
- Interrupting face-to-face conversations to answer calls or texts
- Using their phone to avoid social interaction
- Turning to their phone when things get awkward
- Checking their smartphone constantly for no reason
- Feeling phantom phone vibrations
- Being on their smartphone during study time, class time, or work
- Experiencing panic attack or increased anxiety if their phone is left at home