Ahh, my smartphone. It thrills me and yet, it terrifies me. It contains possibly every bit of my personal information, habits, photos, and holds this sort of power to where if I lose it, I feel as though I’ve lost myself.
So many times I’ve said that a piece of metal having that much control over my life is not healthy, and when I have a daughter, I refuse to let her have any sort of technology until she’s in college.
Now, how many of us know that that’s not realistic?
The speed at which life moves is scary, and unless we keep up, we’re sure to fall behind, our children included. But there are many times in a given week that I find myself staring at my smartphone more than I do a book, or meditating, or more importantly, talking face-to-face with those I care about. Our society has created its own modern addiction.
Research on Smartphone Addiction
New research shows that women are more prone to smartphone addiction, notes the Binghamton University- State University of New York. (1) Cycles are created in smartphone usage whereby dopamine is released, users receive an immediate “high,” and then feel the need to create that euphoria again and again. (1)
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However, users are also prone to subsequent lows and periods of boredom, says assistant professor of management information systems Isaac Vaghefi, at Binghamton University-State University of New York. (1) In the study, women were likely to show signs of depression and anxiety, among other negative markers. (1)
Is technology, like everything else, an escape from reality? There is absolutely nothing wrong with using a smartphone in moderation, but if an individual is pre-disposed genetically to becoming an addict, certainly it’s easy to see how quick a smartphone can take the place of smoking, drugs, alcohol, sex, and so forth.
Which leads me to my point in the beginning: children and technology. Just because a device makes learning simpler, is it really wise to introduce smartphones and technology so early to vulnerable and developing minds, or are we enabling children to become addicts by doing so?
I think it’s best to put down the smartphone and get back to reality and personal relationships, once and for all.
About the Author: Nikki DuBose is a former model turned author, advocate, and ambassador. Her debut memoir, Washed Away: From Darkness to Light, details her recovery from trauma, severe mental illnesses and the dark side of the modeling industry. Nikki has been featured on television shows and networks such as The Doctors, The TD Jakes Show, CBS Los Angeles, and the Oprah Winfrey Network, and profiled in publications such as People, LA Times, Vogue UK, Esquire, India Times, and Inquisitr. To find out more about Nikki, visit http://nikkidubose.com/.
References:
[1]: Vaghefi, I. (April 12, 2017). Smartphone addiction leads to personal, social, workplace problems. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-04/bu-sal041217.php
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published April 30, 2017.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on April 24, 2017.
Published on AddictionHope.com