Internet addiction has long been discovered ever since computers were introduced. However, recent studies in the UK revealed that smart phone have overtaken laptops as the primary device from which internet is accessed. Consequently, the time spent on the internet has also increased by more than 20 hours a week all due to the rise in smart phone use. Accordingly, 33 percent of UK residents see their smart phone as the primary device for all their online activities i.e casual surfing, social media, shopping and other activities. Tablets on the other hand only make up 19 percent of the user base.
With the growing addiction to internet and social media, people are recording their entire life events on the internet. Go on social media, and people are posting so much personal information, it’s scary. On top of that, all such information is shared through our smart phones. But what happens when we end up losing or having our devices stolen? The first thing any thieve would go through is your social networks – unless it is locked with apps like social media vault – your password will most likely be changed and your account would be hijacked to say the least. Sadly, there’s isn’t much you can do after that.
In the UK, 66 percent of the people own a smart phone, while nearly 90 percent of teens in the UK own a smart phone, a significant number indeed. Given these figures, as the smart phone user further grows so will internet addiction. With 4G LTE infrastructure fast replacing 3G, the quality, speed and overall affordability of the internet will sky rocket. With better access to internet and increasing affordability, combined with smart phones, the user demographics is bound to change for both good and worse. Lets first examine the good before we examine the worse:
The positive impact of evolving wireless and smart phone technology:
With smart phone equipped with high-speed internet, students can conduct research at anytime, anyplace, allowing them more flexibility in pursuing their academic goals. For professional in business management, smart phone technology allows more flexibility to work while on the go. Be it coordinating with clients, purchasing goods, arranging face-to-face meetings via Skype, it can all be done on a smart phone and a fast data package. Finally, moderate users who only use the internet for information or work instead of leisure can benefit most from smart phones.
The negative impact of evolving wireless and smart phone technology:
With more people relying on the internet and smart phones for work and play, there will be a few that will overdo it. For examples, workaholics may be constantly glued to their smart phones, sending emails, texting, checking databases and other work related stuff. While those with much idle lifestyle will become addicted to watching videos, surfing social media and playing games on their smart phones. Thus, this convenient tool becomes a curse for some who base their lifestyle around their smart phones and other electronic gadgets.
Main Problems Of Smartphone Addiction
1. Increased Stress Levels: Smartphone addiction can lead to higher levels of stress, as users become increasingly dependent on their devices for communication, entertainment, and information.
2. Disrupted Sleep: Smartphone addiction can lead to disrupted sleep patterns as users stay up late to check their phones or become distracted from sleep by notifications.
3. Loss of Productivity: Smartphone addiction can lead to decreased productivity, as users spend more time on their devices instead of completing tasks or
Disadvantages Of Phone Addiction
1. Social Isolation: Phone addiction can lead to social isolation, as users become more focused on their devices than on interacting with others.
2. Psychological Issues: Phone addiction can lead to psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression, as users become increasingly dependent on their devices.
3. Physical Health Issues: Phone addiction can lead to physical health issues, such as neck and shoulder pain, as users spend long hours hunched over their devices.
Phone Addiction Affect On Brain
Phone addiction can lead to changes in the brain. Studies have found that excessive use of mobile phones can lead to an imbalance in the brain’s neurotransmitters, which can lead to an increase in anxiety and depression. Additionally, phone addiction can lead to impaired cognitive functions, such as memory and attention, as well as changes in the brain’s reward system, which can lead to a decrease in motivation and productivity.
Smartphones Affecting Our Life
Smartphones are affecting our lives in a variety of ways. They are changing the way we communicate, work, and play. Smartphones have made it easier to stay connected with friends and family, to access information quickly, and to stay organized. However, they can also be a source of distraction and can lead to an increase in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Main Cause Of Phone Addiction
The main cause of phone addiction is the overuse of smartphones and the internet. Smartphone addiction is caused by a combination of factors, including the availability of apps, the ease of access to social media, and the lack of self-control. People can become addicted to their phones when they use them for activities such as playing games, checking social media, or using other apps. This can lead to excessive use of the phone, which can lead to a decrease in motivation and productivity.
Strategies To Overcome Smartphone Addiction
1. Set boundaries for yourself: Set limits for yourself on how much time you spend on your smartphone or the internet. This could include limiting yourself to a certain number of hours a day, or setting specific times of the day when you will use your phone or the internet.
2. Change your habits: Try to replace the activities that you use your phone or the internet for with something else. For example, instead of playing a game on your phone, try going for a walk
Negative Effects Of Excessive Phone Usage
1. Loss of concentration: Spending too much time on the phone can lead to a decrease in concentration, making it harder to focus on tasks or other activities.
2. Sleep deprivation: Excessive phone usage can lead to a lack of sleep, which can have a negative effect on overall health.
3. Social isolation: Spending too much time on the phone can lead to a decrease in social
Most Effective Way To Control Internet Addiction
The most effective way to control internet addiction is to set boundaries and limits for yourself. This includes setting time limits for yourself, and limiting the types of activities you do online. It is also important to take breaks from using the internet and to focus on activities that don’t involve using the internet. Additionally, it is important to find ways to manage stress, such as exercise, talking to a friend, or engaging in activities that can help reduce stress.
Phone Addiction Effect on Students
Phone addiction can affect students in several ways. First, it can lead to distraction from school work and other important tasks. Additionally, it can lead to sleep deprivation, which can have a negative impact on academic performance. Furthermore, it can lead to social isolation and depression, as well as increased anxiety. Finally, phone addiction can lead to increased risk for cyberbullying and other dangerous behaviors.
Best Ways To Stop Technology Addiction
1. Set limits on the amount of time you spend on technology.
2. Avoid using technology as a way to escape from reality.
3. Take regular breaks from technology.
4. Find alternative activities to do instead of using technology.
5. Develop healthy habits such as exercising and eating healthy.
Start Of Smartphone Addiction
Smartphone addiction started in the early 2000s, when smartphones first became widely available. The rise of mobile technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected, leading to an increase in the amount of time people spend on their phones. The addictive nature of smartphones has been linked to a variety of physical and mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Steps To Stop Phone Addiction
1. Set daily limits for yourself. Decide how much time you want to spend on your phone each day and stick to it.
2. Delete unnecessary apps. Uninstall any apps that you don’t use or don’t need.
3. Turn off notifications. Set your phone to silent or turn off notifications for apps that you don’t need to be alerted about.
4. Change your phone’s home screen.
Summary:
Smart phones, unlike any other technological tool have had the most impact on our lives. With their portability, connectivity and processing ability, these devices are having a profound impact on our society.