A research study compiled by PsychGuides.com released a guide to recognizing signs and symptoms of cell phone addiction, which include a constant need to use our cell phones more, constant preoccupation with our cell phones, a loss of sense of time, jobs at risk, tolerance (need for newest cell phone, more applications, or increased use), and withdrawals.

Cell phones can make calls, send SMS and MMS messages, take pictures, deposit a check, tell you the weather, order food, book a flight, calculate math homework, produce music, stream live television, watch and download movies or shows, play games, and even write this paper, which are only a few of the operations capable of the modern cell phone. It’s no wonder that the modern day cell phone (smartphone) is one of the focal points of western civilization. On average, we check our phones 85 times daily, spending between five and six hours a day browsing our phones, which equates to about a third of our day. Scientists have retrieved enough data that suggests we are addicted to our phones as a society. Furthermore, our addictions to our phones can cause us physical and psychological damage, such as anger, irritability, tension, and depression. Additionally, studies have shown that college students who use their phones more frequently have suffered from anxiety during their downtime. Relationship problems can also arise from our over-dependence to cell phones, which stem from the neglect of real relationships for social media relationships. Another major psychological issue that has been connected to cell phone addiction is sleep disturbance. Sleep disturbance is characterized by lack of sleep, increased fatigue, and decreased sleep quality due to higher levels of brain activity because of the light emitted from our cell phones.

Aside from the preceding psychological issues, research has connected cell phone addiction with physical issues as well. For example, cell phone addicts can develop a condition known as digital eye strain. Digital eye strain can cause pain and discomfort, eye fatigue, and blurred vision as eyes become sensitive from extended cell phone usage. Additionally, individuals that constantly look down at and touch their screen have increased exposure to neck problems, which is commonly known as text neck. Touching our cell phones and multiple surfaces constantly also exposes us to physical issues, such as illness. For example, one in six cell phones tested will have fecal matter on it. Fecal matter is known to carry the bacteria E. coli, which can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition to E. coli and other germs, phones can become contaminated with MRSA. MRSA can cause painful abscesses, as well as life-threatening infections in bones, joints, surgical wounds, bloodstream, heart valves, and lungs.

The previously mentioned problems associated with cell phone addiction should give us the fuel to reevaluate our cell phone usage; however, all these studies have not slowed down our addiction to our cell phones. What’s even more disturbing are the recent studies that have established our cell phone dependence can cause fatalities, which include the individuals around us. The study concluded that cell phone usage such as texting or talking while driving can be just as dangerous as, if not more than, drinking and driving. It’s going to be tough, but we need to digest the inherent danger that cell phone addiction poses to us physiologically and physically.

It can be argued that we have become a microwave society that requires instant gratification constantly, and our cellular devices are at the center of it all. I personally find it very difficult to be away from my cell phone for extended periods, but I also know it is time we put them away, and not just when we are behind the wheel. I am a recovering cell phone addict, and the most effective form of therapy for me was/is living! Go outside. Meet up with a friend, and grab a bite. Engage in a sport or some other form of physical activity. Whatever you do, don’t forget to leave your cell phone behind for a few hours, and go LIVE!