Smartphone Addiction By Amina Javed

While watching a movie in a theater, there are usually some people who would never keep their phone away and will check it again and again. Previously, women use to market with other ladies to get help in buying things to have their opinion, but now they carry their phones instead. Over dinner, in church, while driving, at one of our kid’s performances and even when carrying on a face to face conversation the smartphone is guaranteed to keep you in tune and in touch.Now people start bringing their phones to their bedrooms. The bedroom isn’t the only intrusion the smartphone is making into supposedly private, sacred moments, either.

It has been found that 12 percent use their beloved devices in the shower and more than 50 percent use during driving, despite the fact that using phone during driving is six times more dangerous than driving after drinking.  It has become mind set of our society that we have to have our phones with us everywhere, even at shower room or during private moments. This mindset has become such a real problem that this fear of being without your phone is known as nomophobia. Which explains, that rush of anxiety and fear when you realize you are disconnected out of the loop with friends, family, work and the world. This feelings of losing your connection with world could be due to dead battery, no minutes, forgetting phone at home and worst of all the fear is losing phone.

According to a research from versapak, 41% Britons started feeling anxiety and out of control, when they get separated from their smartphone and 51% admitted because of extreme tech anxiety. Leon Edward said that: “Being disconnected from technology is surprisingly stressful. There’s often a feeling of missing out, as we worry about what’s going on without our knowledge.” According to another poll, 70% of women and 61% have phone separation anxiety. Soon, we will see this phobia in DSM, but anxiety revolving around phone is real and people consider their phones as their extensions, best friend and even soul mate. Another interesting aspect here is that being without a phone connection is social in nature. In other words, it’s not so important that the boss wants that report on his desk by 10 a.m. but it is very important to know that who just gave birth to a new baby or went out for holidays or bought news dress and having dinner.

It was reported that 75% people indicated that their cellphone is less than five feet away from them at any time. Anything can be abused, even the smartphone. There was a time when cigarettes were not only allowed, but encouraged during air flights. As smoking encountered more hostility, the smoke-free zones began popping up everywhere.The same thing seems to be happening to the cellphone. Certain areas are now displaying “No cell phone use” signs. It’s because common courtesy is often thrown out the window when we’re on the phone. Many restaurants are enforcing “no cell policy” also known as “quiet zone” and they admire those who leave their phones at desk. Some airports are now offering lounges that are cellphone free. Just like with cigarettes, the cellphone pendulum is beginning to swing. It is important to know that when does cell phone obsession become a clear addiction? There are certain symptoms to keep in mind:

• Feeling anxious whenever you do not have your phone in your physical possession.
• Constantly checking the phone for new texts, coupled with the compulsion to respond immediately.
• Did you feel that?Your phone just vibrated, and you felt it. Yet looking at the phone, you realize it’s a false alarm. 
• You’re not listening. In fact, you have no idea what the person in front of you is talking about. Why? Because you keep checking your Facebook page, tweets and texts.
• Failing in School.Poor grades can often be blamed on using the smartphones.
• Running to the store: you going out for 30 minutes and halfway realize you forgot your phone and you MUST turn around to get it.

If checking and rechecking of phone start to come as naturally to you as breathing, or start feeling anxious or restless when you are away to your cellphone, there much possibility that you have technology addiction. No, you probably don’t need a twelve step program here are some things which can help: NO texting while driving. Make this a RULE! This is not only for you, but also for the benefit and safety of others. If you need to text — do it before or after you drive. Risking your life just to give a quick response is beyond foolish. No phone in the bathroom. Seriously? You can’t wait a few minutes to go into the most private room known to man? If nothing else, consider the vast amounts of germs crawling on your phone.

You may wash your hands, but it defeats the purpose as soon as you start handling that now dirty, germ-riddled phone. When you step up to the counter to either order or check-out, put the phone down and take care of business.  When going to bed, no more falling asleep while staring at your screen. It’s fun to tweet, keep up with high school friends on Facebook just before closing your eyes, but we’re trying to overcome an addiction here. Shut it down and get some shut eye. Oh, and turn the phone off — completely off — before falling asleep. You do NOT need to check for messages at 4 a.m. while going to the bathroom.When you’re with friends, turn your phone off. No, not on vibrate. OFF. It’s okay.

Nothing bad will happen and you won’t miss out on once-in-a-lifetime chance. Each time you do this, it will become easier. Finally, last but not least, when you’re able to manage the above without suffering a panic attack, shortness of breath or dizziness, then try leaving the phone at home. Yep, this is the real deal — graduation day. Spend a day without technology at your fingertips. You may need to do this in small doses, starting off with an hour or two and then progressing — gasp — to a whole day. Believe it or not, you can do it and the world will not come to an end.

Moderation is the key to overcome any kind of addiction and save ourselves from abusing the technology so by appreciating the technology, we can use rightly for the right purpose. For those of you who believe their smartphone is an accessory and catching up with friends is possible only by using Facebook then there is need to check out the internet and technology addiction and should get help regarding this problem.