Are you addicted to mobile devices? What behavior can give you away and how to achieve a harmonious relationship with screens

Smartphone penetration has been empirically and statistically proven. A simple inspection on public roads, in the subway, bus or restaurant will show the importance of these devices in everyday life. Tens and hundreds of faces illuminated by screens make up the landscape! In digital terms, Statista’s latest annual study shows that we are approaching 7 billion phones in a world of about 8 billion people. Within this framework mobile addiction This is a recurring problem that experts classify as a disorder that requires immediate treatment.

This behavior has its own name: nomophobia. This term comes from the English – for “no phobia of mobile phones– and refers to the irrational fear caused by not having a mobile phone. Or perhaps the equipment stops working. The Samadhi Foundation, a non-profit civic association based in Mexico that treats a variety of addictions, including technology addictions, notes that symptoms associated with this disorder. The most common are anxiety, irritability, panic, loss of track of time, isolation and general boredom, among others. Added to this are physical ailments such as abdominal pain, migraines or tachycardia.

However, How to reliably identify mobile addiction? What specific behaviors show that smartphone attachment levels actually cause declines in well-being? “It’s about dependence and tolerance. Without being able to use the device, a person will experience severe psycho-emotional and even physical discomfort. That is, you will experience withdrawal symptoms,” they note from the above-mentioned association. In this sense they emphasize the importance of seeking professional help in case of detection of the above signals.

Mobile phone addiction and excessive use: the importance of proper diagnosis

Fighting mobile addiction Diana Sakhovaler performed by Litvinov, a member of the Psychoanalytic Federation of Latin America, values ​​the correct use of terms and definitions. “Many times the word addiction is used lightly, meaning overuse or even enthusiasm,” says the specialist in dialogue with Hypertextand emphasizes the convenience of adequate support.

So what defines addictive behavior?

They are characterized by attachment to a substance or activity that is used to cover up any type of anxiety and the absence of which causes much suffering. In these cases, an emotional state arises, be it calm or exaltation, but it distances the person from the unbearable reality. The addict feels that he is in control of the situation, although in fact the opposite is true. So that addictive substance or activity becomes something that consumes your energy, your vitality, your time and takes you away from your shackles.

What exactly happens to cell phone addiction?

This is interesting. The telephone is truly a fantastic means of communication. It is a computer that is within reach and helps us get information and communication. But at the same time, it can become a refuge, a way to avoid communication.

Does the problem affect a specific age group? This is often noticed in children and teenagers, although we understand that they are not the only ones…

Often children or teenagers experience difficulties, whether socially or at school. So they take cover instead of facing them. In such cases, parents will have to be vigilant and seek advice. The goal is to provide them with more resources. They don’t have to resort to that refuge where they feel more qualified or accepted, but which also insulates them from possible solutions.

Dependence can also be observed in adults, and is sometimes observed in children. What happens is that an adult, seeing a child or teenager busy with their phone, feels excluded. Then a reaction appears. Sometimes there is a tendency to interrupt the child’s pleasure of which the father is not capable.

Moreover, the adult is usually used to being the one who directs and controls. And with technology it often happens that it is easier for a child because he was born in a technological world. So he ends up being the one who directs, the one who controls. Therefore, it is difficult for an adult to lose it, and he wants to interrupt, regulate. For example, setting a connection time is a way to regain control that you have lost.

In any case, how to control the tendency to overuse and even cases of cell phone addiction?

Sometimes this is difficult to do using only your will. In general, if you feel like you are very knowledgeable about likes, attitudes towards others, messages, etc., then you need to try to get to know yourself more. It’s a good idea to consult with a professional and understand what happens when you’re too busy or on your phone too much, instead of dealing with other realities.

According to psychoanalyst Sakhovaler de Litvinov, professional consultation is important to put things in their place and avoid incorrect diagnoses. The expert concludes that The problem is the addiction itself, not the motive.. “It could be a phone, but also anything that can be turned into an object of addiction. Chemical substance, soccer ball, game. Any situation that serves to hide pain, anxiety and isolate oneself from the context ends up becoming the sole and central reason for living.”

Nomophobia in Spain

Researchers from the International University of La Rioja (UNIR) conducted a study that provided up-to-date information about mobile addiction in Spain. In accordance with the considerations of Sakhovaler Litvinov, they found that young people are the most vulnerable. In particular, the age group with the highest prevalence of nomophobia is 14 to 16 years old. In this case, teenagers suffer the most..

Experts assessed many aspects related to the use of technology. Based on these aspects, they established three profiles: “casual” user, “at risk” and “problem”. The findings are alarming: one in four participants is believed to belong to the second group, and this percentage could rise in the coming years, the report’s authors warn.

“The smartphone itself is not negative. But experts are convinced that Using a mobile phone is not harmless. For this reason, it is necessary to address the comprehensive education of people, which prepares them to become digital citizens,” they noted from UNIR. For his part, Joaquín Manuel González-Cabrera, director of the Cyberbullyng-OUT research group at the university and lead author of the paper, noted that “more studies, especially over time, will be needed to assess the impact of mobile devices.” addiction” among Spanish adolescents.

Relevant Data and Research on Mobile Addiction

• The problem has been growing over the years. A study published in 2022 in the journal Sleep Oxford Academic University indicated that 89% of university students believe they suffer from mobile phone addiction moderate to severe. In 2012, this figure was 77%.
• According to an investigation published in the magazine National Library of Medicinethat is, it is possible that nomophobic people never turn off their phones. They also tend to keep them close even before bed. Some people need to carry an extra device with them as a “safety measure” in case they lose their phone or the battery dies.
• A report from App Annie found that mobile app usage grew 30% between 2019 and 2021. This growth, they noted, demonstrates greater dependence on the smartphone at an overall level.
• A recent survey of Gen Zers born between 1997 and 2012 found that about 25% check their cell phones while driving. Namely, that he “feels the need” to do this after 15 minutes of driving.
• A WhistleOut study concluded that the average user spends 3.07 hours a day on their mobile phone. Multiplying weeks, months and years results in the following impressive data: we spend 9 years of our lives checking our phone screen.

Nomophobia: Resources Before Consultation

People interested in assessment can use a number of resources that provide guidance but, it is important to note, do not constitute direct professional diagnosis. One of the main ones is nomophobia quiz, found on various sites. It is a collection of questions that result in a score that ultimately turns into an answer to the original question. “Are you addicted to your cell phone?” The above UNIR study was based on this test.

A simple way to check how attentive we are to our smartphone is just a few steps away. concerns screen. The configuration panels of the main operating systems – iOS and Android – include “digital wellbeing”, which shows, roughly speaking, how many hours the device is used. This is a good parameter to take into account and, if necessary, take action on this issue. They also include tips and tools to limit overuse.

Ultimately, according to the European Institute of Health and Welfare, although it is possible to try to control addiction, it is difficult to do so without support because the temptation – the phone – is always at hand. “It can be very easy to fall back into old usage patterns. Seek external support, be it family, friends or a professional therapist,” they say, concluding that when help is needed, it is advisable to turn to specialized treatment centers that offer digital detox programs.