Cell phone addiction: why does it happen and how can we fix it?

In the digital age in which we live, it is almost impossible to find someone who does not have a cell phone. This electronic device has become an integral part of our lives and most of us use it to communicate with friends and family, for work and for entertainment. However, many people have developed a cell phone addiction that can have negative effects on health and personal relationships.

Problems caused by excessive use of cell phones

Below we show you some of the most common problems that excessive use of cell phones can cause us.

Mental health problems

Excessive cell phone use can increase the risk of developing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. This may be due to the dependence that is created on the device and the lack of meaningful social interactions.

Physical health problems

Prolonged use of cell phones can cause physical problems such as eyestrain, headaches, neck and back pain, and sleep disturbances.

Social isolation

Excessive cell phone use can keep us from meaningful social interactions and reduce our ability to connect and relate to others. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can negatively affect our relationships.

Relationship problems

The excessive use of the cell phone can also lead to a decrease in the quality of our relationships, since we pay less attention to them and the communication we have with our partners, friends and family is affected. It can also generate conflicts and arguments, since the cell phone can be a constant distraction during interactions.

Addiction

And although it may not seem like it, cell phone use can lead to addiction, which can cause problems in many areas of our lives, including health, relationships, work, and social life. Additionally, addiction can be difficult to break, which can lead to even more excessive cell phone use.

Why do we become addicted to cell phones?

There are several reasons why we can become addicted to the cell phone, below we show you some of the most common.

Dopamine

Cellphone use releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. When we use our cell phone and receive notifications, our brain releases dopamine and makes us feel good, so we become addicted to that feeling.

Anxiety

Anxiety is another of the main causes of addiction to cell phones. Being constantly connected, we can feel like we are missing something important if we don't constantly check our notifications. This can generate anxiety and stress, which leads us to be more hooked on the cell phone.

Boredom

Many people use cell phones as a way to kill time. If they have nothing to do, they automatically grab their cell phones and start browsing social networks, playing games, or watching videos on YouTube.

Social dependency

Currently, the cell phone has become a fundamental tool for communication with friends and family. If we find ourselves in a situation where we cannot be in contact with our loved ones, we can feel isolated and alone, so the cell phone becomes a kind of connection to the world.

Habit

The excessive use of cell phones can become a habit, something we do automatically without thinking. If we have been using the cell phone for a long time, it is likely that our brain has created a kind of pattern that leads us to use it constantly.

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

FOMO is one of the main causes of cell phone addiction. Social networks and instant messaging applications allow us to be constantly connected to the world, and this can create the feeling that we are missing something if we do not constantly check our cell phone.

Unsafety

Some people use the cell phone as a way to escape their problems or their insecurities. By being constantly connected, they can feel like they are avoiding their problems and in control of their environment. 

How do I stop using my cell phone so much?

If you feel that you are too attached to your cell phone, there are several methods that you can use to reduce its use.

1. Set time limits: One way to limit cell phone use is to set time limits for its use. For example, you could limit its use to one hour a day, or leave it out of reach during certain hours of the day.
2. Turn off notifications: Notifications can be very distracting. To avoid the temptation to constantly check your phone, turn off notifications for non-essential apps.
3. Do activities that do not require the use of a cell phone: Find activities that you like and that do not require the use of a cell phone. It could be reading a book, exercising or spending time outdoors.
4. Use a time control application: There are applications that can help you control the time you spend on your cell phone. These apps can show you how much time you spend in each app and allow you to set time limits for their use.
5. Seek support: Talk to friends and family about your cell phone addiction. It can be helpful to have someone support you and encourage you to reduce your use.

The excessive use of cell phones can have negative effects on our health and our personal relationships. It is important to set limits and find ways to reduce your use to improve our quality of life and our relationships with the people in our lives.