iPhone Addiction
How can you tell if you have an iPhone addiction? That’s pretty easy to answer. If you can answer yes to any of these questions, chances are you have an iPhone addiction and need help now.
- Do you have a need to use the phone to verify every tidbit of information?
- Do you really need online directions to the corner supermarket?
- Can't you figure out how much to tip the waiter on your own?
- Does a picture of a frothy glass of beer on the phone screen really refresh you?
- Does every person in your phone directory have a special ringtone?
- Do you spend more time browsing the new apps than you do browsing new music or movies?
- Do you reach for your iPhone before even getting out of bed?
These and other behaviors could indicate that you are a sufferer of iPhone Addiction. If you are, you are not alone. An amazing 83% of the American population owns a mobile phone. Of those, 25% own smartphones and that number continues to rise. It isn’t surprising to learn that iPhone addiction is also on the rise.
What Causes iPhone Addiction?
The sleek design, the touch screen, the endless number of applications a user can buy and download all converge to make the handheld device an all-encompassing genie of technology. Small, powerful and able to connect almost anywhere, these little workhorses give their users more reasons to use them than imaginable.
For many, the iPhone addiction is more about the apps than the phone. The first cell phones were strictly for making phone calls. Big, clunky and expensive, very few people had them. Now as technology has streamlined and the hardware has shrunk, iPhones and their users spread like locust across the land. You see them everywhere, staring into their screens oblivious to the world around them, iPhone addiction sfferers.
iPhone addiction is fueled by apps like Facebook and Twitter for iPhone. Now you can check your email, post to your wall and tweet all from the comfort of your pocket-sized, touch screen keyboard. You can check the weather, get directions across town or around the world and conduct your banking. Users can play games, listen to music and watch videos. News, sports scores and updates and photography have made the gizmos indispensible and created the phenomenon of iPhone addiction.
Is iPhone Addiction Real?
As recently as November 2010, psychiatrists in Taiwan named the problem IAD – iPhone Addiction Disorder, citing two patients, a woman and a teen, who were unable to function in their daily lives because of the constant need to use their iPhones.
Another explanation of iPhone addiction comes as the result of a Stanford University study which found that the trait of “multitasking”, a desirable trait listed on many a resume, is not such a good thing when applied to smartphone use. Those who “media multitask” on their cell phones, the study found, are less likely to pay attention, are unable to control their memories and tend to switch from one job to another less effectively than those who stick with one task and see it through to completion. By allowing so much information in, they are allowing the world around them to be in control instead of being in control of what they react to themselves.
Consequences of iPhone Addiction
All kidding aside, iPhone addiction can have serious consequences. Many states have passed laws against cell phone usage while driving because of the number of people who have been involved in traffic accidents while chatting, surfing or texting. Another phenomenon, being an “iPhone widow” is the result of iPhone addiction by a roommate, spouse or significant other. Feeling neglected by a loved one who prefers his iPhone over you can have damaging effects for a relationship.
Lost time at work is on the rise as a result of iPhone addiction. The palm-sized devices can be looked at all day long without drawing a lot of attention and business owners are demanding employees leave the phones in their cars or lockers. The teenage Taiwanese case study mentioned above stayed up all night surfing the Internet, missed school and stared at his iPhone 24 hours a day. These kinds of behaviors can have serious consequences: lost jobs, health issues and accidents to name a few.
Treating an iPhone Addiction Yourself
You’ve heard it before. The first step in treating an addiction, this case iPhone Addiction, is to admit you have a problem. Accepting that you have an iPhone addiction is necessary in order to change your behavior. Here are some things you can do to help you with your iPhone Addiction:
- Tell friends you will only return emails during specific hours of the day such as at lunch or after dinner
- Ask friends and family not to text unless it’s urgent
- When you receive emails or texts form colleagues, instead of responding electronically, walk over to their desk
- Step outside for a breath of fresh air – leave the phone inside
- Remember certain occasions such as attending church, weddings, parties and being on vacation are times when cell phone usage of any kind should be off limits for all but emergencies.
These steps may not completely cure you of your iPhone addiction but they can help. Practice them carefully and you may begin to enjoy a bigger world that doesn’t fit on 2×3-inch screen.
Passion in what one believes and in putting it in writing is a true talent. This particular article has the perfect combination of passion and excellent material wrapped up into an easy to comprehend article.
One thing is for sure. You did a lot of research on this. It’s either that or you just have the knowledge. This is impressive.
I like how you have written your content. I must agree with your views on this topic. You’re a good writer that keeps content interesting no matter what the subject. I can respect your expertise.
Anyone that wants to read content with solid information will want to read this article. I like how the points are stated. I share these views as well and I enjoyed this content. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to make sure your content is properly written, formatted and easy to understand. I’m impressed with your writing quality.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read an article like yours with so much interesting content. I love your thoughts. I’m waiting for your next article with great anticipation.
Your article shows lots of talent in this area and I hope to see more work from you in the future. I will show my fellow colleagues this well-written content.
Thank you for writing this article in your own unique way. I’ve been hoping to find clear information like this. You really helped clear up a lot of my confusion.
It’s a refreshing change for me to discover such a well-written article. Lately, I have found it to be hard to find relatively good articles on this topic. Thank you for being a good writer.
I’m not usually into information like this, but you sparked my interest. This is a quality, well-written article that is engaging to read. You’ve given me much to think about.
I’m not a professional writer, but I do enjoy reading great content like this. Thank you for providing such vital information in a presentable way.