Smartphone Phone Addiction: Why worry?
Being addicted to your smartphone is more than a driving hazard. It can, and probably does, affect your brain.
Research suggests that cell phone addiction can affect brain functioning, though more research is needed to determine the long-term effects. For example, one study found that smartphone addiction can increase levels of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates brain functions like anxiety. Another study found that smartphone addiction can negatively impact executive function, and that people who are addicted to certain online apps may have impaired inhibitory control. A third study found that there is a significant association between time spent on screens and changes in brain structure, and that some screen media activities are associated with worse cognitive performance.
Other potential effects of cell phone addiction on brain functioning include:
- Mental health: Addiction can lead to feelings of loneliness, frustration, irritability, and fatigue when someone goes without their phone for an extended period, which can create a cycle of depression. It has also been linked to anxiety, impulsivity, and psychological discomfort.
- Social skills: Addiction can lead to decreased social skills and emotional deficits.
- Cognitive ability: Addiction can lead to impaired cognitive function and reduced cognitive control.
Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone? Find Out!
Developed through rigorous psychological research, the Nomophobia Questionnaire comprises carefully crafted questions that delve into the emotional and behavioral aspects of smartphone dependency.