We are becoming a nation addicted to our cell phones.
When was the last time you left your house without your cell phone?
How long ago was it that you checked your notifications on Facebook?
Heck, you are probably reading my article on your phone right now.
I get it. As a conscious parenting writer and a small business owner I rely on my phone.
Our phone connects us to the world, our friends and family. What’s disconcerning is how cell phones are becoming the controlling factor in people lives, much like an addiction.
Science has actually shown we receive a dopamine dump inside our brains making us feel good every time we are rewarded with a like or acknowledgment.
Did you know if you did a Google search about cell phone addiction, there’s over 11 million results? There’s even a list of addiction signs and symptoms listed on PsychGuides.Com. ↓↓↓
- Preoccupation with cell phone use
- Has put a relationship or job at risk due to excessive cell phone use.
- Withdrawal, when cell phone or network is unreachable.
- Health related problems.
- Neck problems. Also known as “text neck,” which refers to neck pain resulting from looking down at cell phone or tablet for too long. (This one cracked me up. I call it the double chin problem. 🙂)
- Increased illnesses due to germs.
- 1 in 6 cell phones has fecal matter on it. (Ew, gross!)
Take a look around you next time you are out at a restaurant, notice how many people are looking at their phones. While walking down the street, how many people are looking at their phones instead of paying attention to their surroundings?
Next time you are at the park pay attention to how many parents are looking at their phones instead of watching their children play or playing with their children. I’m not saying we don’t need our phones but I definitely feel we need to get some control. In another five years I predict we’ll have AA for smart phone addiction. Heck, It’s probably offered already!
I challenge you to ask yourself….
Am I in charge of my phone or is it in charge of me?
