Are You Addicted to Your Phone?

Indications of problematic smartphone usage linked to personal, professional, and emotional challenges include:

• Loss of Control: A strong compulsion to frequently check one's phone without any specific reason.
• Dependence: Feeling anxious or irritated upon turning off the phone; constantly worrying about missed calls, texts, or notifications.
• Emotional Coping: Using the phone as a means to manage negative feelings such as boredom, frustration, stress, or social anxiety.
• Negative Emotions: Experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety, or loneliness following phone usage.
• Harmed Social Relationships: Preventing meaningful interactions by focusing on the phone during face-to-face conversations, causing neglect towards significant individuals.
• Compromised Performance: Distracting from essential tasks, limiting clear thinking, and enabling procrastination.

The first step toward addressing these concerns is becoming aware of these behaviors through introspection and self-reflection. By recognizing these patterns, individuals can take steps to develop healthier habits and improve their overall quality of life.

Adapted from “Do You Have a Phone Addiction?,” by Alyson Meister and Nele Dael