Cell phones have dramatically changed in the last decade. Once upon a time you could only talk to someone on a cell phone, but these days you can email, play video games,send and receive text messages, listen to music, watch movies, and do just about anything you can do on your home computer. Some people are addicted to sex, some drugs, and others alcohol or cigarettes. Then there are those that are addicted to their smartphones. I always seem to have my phone on me at all times. It goes every where I go--except the bathroom. That's where I draw the line, and you can find me very often texting, checking email, and surfing the web from my iPhone.
Psychologist David Greenfield who is an expert in Internet-related behaviors says that constant and continual use of devices that are not binding produces chemical responses in the body similar to gambling. When compulsive gamblers win a hand, they are motivated to keep playing until they win again--no matter how much they lose in between. According to Greenfield it's the same with mobile texting and e-mailing. "Every once in a while you'll get a good [text message or e-mail] between Viagra ads and Uganda money schemes," Greenfield says. "That's a hit, and it's a powerful reinforcer."
In just the last two years, the number of subscribers for cellphone service has increased eight-fold to 225 million, or 84% of the population, in 2007 from 34 million, or 13%, in 2005, according to wireless industry association CTIA. Worldwide, 3 billion people have mobile service. People are on their phones everywhere I go. When I ride on the bus in the morning I see people playing their games, texting and talking. Most of my friends including myself don't seem to go very far without our phones. Here are my list of signs that point to what I call "Phone Addiction".
1. In the morning the first thing you do is check your email via your smartphone.
2. You make sure your phone is plugged in at night so it will be all charged and ready to go in the morning.
3. When you are waiting for someone you play a game on your phone.
4. When you get into your car you put the phone in it's support so you can use it at anytime.
5. When you go from one room to the next you make sure to have your cellphone.
6. When you're at a bar or restaurant you keep your phone on the table right next to you.
So did you answer yes to some, none, or all of these? Would you consider yourself "addicted"?
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Comments (10)
LMAO I used to be super addicted. Almost to the point that it was rude. Now, though, I have the iPhone 4, but I don't take it with me in every room. I don't leave it on charge every night, although some nights I will because it's almost dead. I am working on NOT checking it first thing in the morning, but that's a hard habit to break. My first cell phone, I memorized the keypad so I could text under my desk in high school without the teacher seeing me. Before we had unlimited texting plans and calling plans and stuff, I remember running up the bill to almost $700. SMH Luckily, I am no longer that attached, but I used to even have an imprint in my front pocket of my jeans because my phone was ALWAYS on me. No bueno.
Six out of six, plus I use it in the restroom.
Oh dear.
I do all of these except check my email... because I don't have a smart phone and don't want to pay for internet
. But I guess it's somewhat similar that I check my texts as soon as I wake up. My excuse for that is my phone is my alarm, and if I"m turning off my alarm, I might as well see what messages I received. I don't think I'm an addict... I just appreciate the convenience of my phone.
Not going to lie, my smart phone is quickly becoming my most used gadget. They're very handy.
I'm mostly distracted by the moving background on my phone.
"The leaf just moved, the leaf just moved, the lea- RIPPLE."
I only do 2. I have to charge my phone every night because whenever I go out, I bring my phone to call in emergency or whenever the folks call. I have a regular cell phone and not getting the advanced phones anytime soon...once I'm not at my computer, I'm not checking emails.
hmm... I am not totally addicted. But feel uneasy without a cell with me. Have dated a guy, I think he is really addicted or not interested in me. He placed one iphone and one blackberry on table when having drinks with me. Of course, he was busy with his phones!!!! :(
I'm not an addict to any technology.
I answered yes to all of these..I thought I was normal!
oh man!
Most of the answers are yes!