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How does smartphone addiction change our brain?

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How does smartphone addiction change our brain?

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Too much smartphone usage has caused stress, anxiety ad social anxiety. Studies showed that once someone becomes dependent on their device then when they have face-to-face interactions it causes social anxiety because they may not know how to react or what to say. About 41% of people are addicted to their devices.

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Smartphone addiction could be changing your brain | CNN

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Surveys show cell phone addiction is on the rise and a new study adds to a growing body of evidence that smartphone and internet addiction is harming our minds -- literally.

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Signs and Symptoms of Cell Phone Addiction

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Signs and Symptoms of Cell Phone Addiction

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90% adults have a cell phone, 67% admits that they often check their phone even when it does not ring or go off. As the years go by cell phones become more advanced, meaning that with each new feature catches someone's eye and more and more people become "addicted". There are many signs that can lead to addiction such as withdraw, crave; meaning the need to us it more and more, becoming dependent on your smartphone. There are consequences to your cell phone usage however, digital eye strain is one of the most common symptoms, as well as neck pain, illness due to germs, car accidents, and sleep disturbances.

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Table of Contents

Signs and Symptoms of Cell Phone Addiction

Physical Effects of Addiction

Psychological Effects of Cell Phone Addiction

Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted to my Smartphone?

The recent explosion of iPhones, Androids, and other smartphones has provided people with the ability to access the entirety of the Internet on-the-go and at any given moment. 90% of adults in America own a cell phone, ¹ and while this may not be a problem for many people, some individuals develop an addiction to their mobile devices.

90% of American adults own a cell phone.¹

Cell phones are constantly being improved by expanding upon their functionalities, which in turn increases the likelihood of overuse and addiction. According to the PEW Research Center, 67% of smartphone owners have admitted to checking their phone for calls or messages when their phone didn't vibrate or ring. ¹ This is one major sign of cell phone dependence and should serve as a warning to cell phone owners.

Signs and Symptoms of Cell Phone Addiction

Although cell phone addiction is not yet listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5 th Edition (DSM-5), research has compared it to gambling addiction, which has clearer diagnostic criteria and is included in the DSM-5.

At least 4 of the following signs and symptoms are thought to comprise criteria for cell phone addiction, and the problematic cell phone overuse must cause significant harm in the individual's life: 2,3

A need to use the cell phone more and more often in order to achieve the same desired effect.

Persistent failed attempts to use cell phone less often.

Preoccupation with smartphone use.

Turns to cell phone when experiencing unwanted feelings such as anxiety or depression.

Excessive use characterized by loss of sense of time.

Has put a relationship or job at risk due to excessive cell phone use.

Tolerance.
Need for newest cell phone, more applications, or increased use.

Withdrawal, when cell phone or network is unreachable.

If you or a loved one displays these signs and symptoms of cell phone addiction, help is readily available. Call the phone number above to speak with a treatment specialist about various recovery options.

Physical Effects of Addiction

Overuse of your cell phone or smartphone can result in a number of different physical problems that may cause permanent damage or be difficult to treat, including:

Digital eye strain.⁴

The pain and discomfort associated with viewing a digital screen for over 2 hours.

Eyes begin to burn and itch.

Blurred vision.

Eye fatigue.

Digital Eye Strain can cause headaches.

Neck problems.
Also known as "text neck," which refers to neck pain resulting from looking down at cell phone or tablet for too long.⁵

Increased illnesses due to germs.⁶

1 in 6 cell phones has fecal matter on it.

E. coli bacteria, which can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, is found on many phones.

Phones have been found to be contaminated with MRSA.

Causes painful abscesses.

Life-threatening infections in bones, joints, surgical wounds, bloodstream, heart valves, and lungs.

Car accidents.

Many people believe that they can multitask and use their phones while driving, but this causes significant impairment and puts the driver and others on the road in danger.

Research has revealed that texting and driving can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving.⁷

Male infertility.
Preliminary studies have revealed that cell phone radiation may decrease sperm count, sperm motility and viability.⁸

Psychological Effects of Cell Phone Addiction

Sleep disturbances.⁹

Cell phone addiction has been linked to an increase in sleep disorders and fatigue in users.

Using your cell phone before bed increases the likelihood of insomnia.

Bright light may decrease sleep quality.

Smartphone use could increase amount of time it takes to fall asleep.

Light emitted from the cell phone may activate the brain.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.¹⁰

Relationship problems.
Offline relationships may suffer as a result of neglect in favor of excessive cell phone and social media use.¹¹

Anxiety.
Research has found that college students who use their cell phones the most are more likely to feel anxious during downtime.¹²

Am I Addicted to my Smartphone?

This self-assessment is not meant to officially diagnose you with cell phone addiction. If you are concerned about your problematic behaviors, speak to your doctor or mental health professional about possible treatment. ¹³

1. Do you find yourself spending more time on your smartphone than you realize?

2. Do you find yourself mindlessly passing time on a regular basis by staring at your smartphone even though there might be better or more productive things to do?

3. Do you seem to lose track of time when on your cell phone?

4. Do you find yourself spending more time texting, tweeting, or emailing as opposed to talking to real-time people?

5. Has the amount of time you spend on your cell phone been increasing?

6. Do you secretly wish you could be a little less wired or connected to your cell phone?

7. Do you sleep with your smartphone on or under your pillow or next to your bed regularly?

8. Do you find yourself viewing and answering texts, tweets, and emails at all hours of the day and night, even when it means interrupting other things you are doing?

9. Do you text, email, tweet, or surf the internet while driving or doing other similar activities that require your focused attention and concentration?

10. Do you feel your use of your cell phone actually decreases your productivity at times?

11. Do you feel reluctant to be without your smartphone, even for a short time?

12. When you leave the house, you ALWAYS have your smartphone with you and you feel ill-at-ease or uncomfortable when you accidentally leave your smartphone in the car or at home, or you have no service, or it is broken?

13. When you eat meals, is your cell phone always part of the table place setting?

14. When your phone rings, beeps, buzzes, do you feel an intense urge to check for texts, tweets, or emails, updates, etc.?

15. Do you find yourself mindlessly checking your phone many times a day even when you know there is likely nothing new or important to see?

If you or a loved one is concerned about maladaptive behaviors and feelings associated with cell phone addiction, don't hesitate to call to learn more about the treatment options available to you.

References

1. Mobile Technology Fact Sheet. (2013, December 27). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheets/mobile-technology-fact-sheet/

2. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (5th ed.). (2013). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.

3. Singh Bhatia, M. (2008). Cell Phone Dependence - a new diagnostic entity. Delhi Psychiatry Journal, 11(2), 123-124. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://medind.nic.in/daa/t08/i2/daat08i2p123.pdf

4. Digital Eye Strain Report 2015. (2015). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.thevisioncouncil.org/digital-eye-strain-report-2015

5. Hansraj, K. (2014). Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine Caused by Posture and Position of the Head. (25), 277-279. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25393825

6. Health Risks of Using Mobile Phones. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://source.southuniversity.edu/health-risks-of-using-mobile-phones-137310.aspx

7. Dangers of Texting Whilst Driving. (2008). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.trl.co.uk/case-studies/behaviour-dangers-of-texting-whilst-driving/

8. Deepinder, F., Makker, K., & Agarwal, A. (2007). Cell phones and male infertility: Dissecting the relationship. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 15(3), 266-270. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1472648310603380

9. Patel, R. (2015, June 17). Cell Phone use before bedtime might impact sleep, and daytime tiredness. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from https://u.osu.edu/emotionalfitness/2015/06/17/cell-phone-use-before-bedtime-might-impact-sleep-and-daytime-tiredness/

10. Babadi-Akashe, Z., & Zamani, B. (2014). The Relationship between Mental Health and Addiction to Mobile Phones among University Students of Shahrekord, Iran. Addict Health, 6(3-4), 93-99.

11. Andreassen, C. (2015). Online Social Network Site Addiction: A Comprehensive Review. Curr Addict Rep Current Addiction Reports, 2015(2), 175-184. doi:10.1007/s40429-015-0056-9

12. Lepp, A., Li, J., Barkley, J., & Salehi-Esfahani, S. (2015). Exploring the relationships between college students' cell phone use, personality and leisure. Computers in Human Behavior, 43, 210-219. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563214005822

13. Greenfield, D. (2013). Smartphone Abuse Test. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://virtual-addiction.com/new-smartphone-abuse-test-now-online/

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Signs and Symptoms of Cell Phone Addiction - PsychGuides.com

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Table of Contents Signs and Symptoms of Cell Phone Addiction Physical Effects of Addiction Psychological Effects of Cell Phone Addiction Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted to my Smartphone? The recent explosion of iPhones, Androids, and other smartphones has provided people with the ability to access the entirety of the Internet on-the-go and at any ...

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How is Dopamine connected to cell phone addiction?

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How is Dopamine connected to cell phone addiction?

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The "reward molecule" is released after certain human behaviors, although it is commonly released after physical activity our cell phones have an effect also. Every time we like, comment, share, or post anything we create an expectation. You may often feel a rush if you click a like button or any button of some sort on your phone.

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Key Takeaways

Social media affects the brain in the same way that a hug does. Here's how it works, and what marketers can do about it.

You know how you get a rush after completing a good workout or when you've wowed your boss with a winning boardroom presentation? That rush of happiness and contentment is thanks to dopamine, a neurochemical known as the "reward molecule" that's released after certain human actions or behaviors, such as exercising, or setting and achieving a goal. While physical activity is most commonly linked to dopamine's release, one form of modern-day, sedentary behavior now gets some credit, too.

According to a study of Australian consumers by San Francisco-based media-buying firm RadiumOne, social media usage is a dopamine gold mine. "Every time we post, share, 'like,' comment or send an invitation online, we are creating an expectation," according to the study. "We feel a sense of belonging and advance our concept of self through sharing."

The findings are compelling not only because they help explain why we feel compelled to click "like" so often, but also because they lay bare the power that marketers can wield by creating "likable," shareable social content. As the study puts it: "Building sharing events into any marketing strategy is a valuable step in realizing this opportunity. The benefits and insights gained can ultimately inform abrand's entire marketing approachand improve results."

Mauricio Delgado, associate professor of psychology at Rutgers University in Newark, N.J., says that marketers' online efforts can have the same neurological effect on consumers as offline staples of living. "The same brain areas [that are activated for food and water] are activated for social stimuli," he says. "This can be a smile, someone telling you you're doing a great job or you're trustworthy, or you're a nice person, or even merely cooperating with somebody. All of these social 'reinforcers' are abstract but show similar activity in the reward centers of the brain. This suggests that, perhaps, if you're getting positive feedback in social media-'likes' and shares and retweets-it's a positive 'reinforcer' of using social media, and one that allows you to, a.) get the positive effects of it, and, b.) return to it seeking out more social reinforcement."

You don't even have to go through the physical exertion of clicking "like" to feel the rush, Delgado adds. "Often, if you have the earliest predictor of a reward-a sign of a social media alert, like your phone buzzing-you get a rush of dopamine from that condition stimulus. That might trigger you to go check out the outcome, to see what it is. That type of reinforcement is something that you now seek out."

And when you share those things that naturally give you a dopamine kick-your workout, a dinner date-you get a second shot of dopamine from the sharing and "liking" aspect, he says. "It's a daisy chain of dopamine."

Marketing Social Highs

When a consumer shares something from a brand-whether it's a funny video, a coupon or a white paper from a B-to-B thought leader-she's made that content her own, and is thus invested in that content and that brand. She will anticipate the social media feedback that comes from that sharing and is motivated to share more, says Dave Hawley, vice president of marketing and sales development at San Francisco-based social media and internal marketing firm SocialChorus.

"The challenging part for marketers is to make that social media connection into a human connection, and not an automated or derisive connection," Hawley says. "The connection doesn't happen because that's what the brand wants-because the brand wants you to say something nice about them or validate their point of view. It's actually about validating the audience's point of view. The goal should be for a brand to validate a person's point of view about the brand or something related to the brand."

There's more danger in disappointing your customer with impersonal or too promotional content online than in not providing content at all, Delgado contends. Since dopamine is tied to anticipation even more than reward, when anticipation is met with disappointment, the brain learns to refrain from engaging with that content. "Dopamine codes a prediction error when a reward is better or worse than expected," according to Delgado. "If your expectations are not met, and the outcome is either worse or better than expected, then that's going to impact the next time you encounter that condition. It's called reinforcement learning. Social media will have similar rules."

While research into potential neurological effects might seem like overkill when you're developing a marketing campaign or strategy-heck, you can barely get your boss to invest in an A/B test-it's worth your while, Hawley says. "Ignore this area of study at your own peril," he says. "There will be a time when marketers need to understand the basic concepts of neuroscience. They might not need to understand it the way a neuroscientist understands it, but they need to understand a little bit more about how the emotions of the human mind work, and how they can align their messages around it."

This article was originally published in the November 2015 issue of Marketing News.

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Key Takeaways You know how you get a rush after completing a good workout or when you've wowed your boss with a winning boardroom presentation? That rush of happiness and contentment is thanks to dopamine, a neurochemical known as the "reward molecule" that's released after certain human actions or behaviors, such as exercising, or setting and achieving a goal.

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Why are people so addicted to their smartphones?

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Why are people so addicted to their smartphones?

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This a short answer on Quora, which discusses how there is a Neurotransmitter in your brain which is called Dopamine, which is the reason why you can become addicted to your smartphone or any device. Dopamine regulates the brain's reward center, it motivates or encourages people to do things they think they will be rewarded for doing.

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We are living in a wild world. And I say that in all earnestness. We literally have the power to find out just about anything, contact people from all over the globe, order food, get our laundry picked up, and find a date for tonight - all from the palm of our hands. That's wild.

Smart phones are such incredible tools! We can do so much good with them! But as you point out, there is an easy tendency to use them to excess. We are fiends for instant gratification. Have you ever sent an email and not gotten a response for 48 hours (GASP)? Email was actually not intended to be an instant mode of communication. And yet, we expect it to be.

We actually get dopamine hits when we peruse social media: the likes, the camera, the action! Social media encompasses everything our culture values: beauty, success, perfectionism, and instant-gratification. It can make us feel SO good/high and SO terrible/low... AKA it's just like any addiction.

So why are we addicted to these mini computers? Probably for a variety of reasons. My guess is there is a certain level of escapism that we are drawn to. You know, when you walk into a social setting and you don't really know anyone, so instead of looking awkward or forcing yourself to engage with a stranger, you disappear into that "important email" (Instagram). Phew, crisis averted! Or you're on the train or waiting in line at the grocery store so you disappear into the endless news cycle on Twitter -- so much better than being present and potentially bored, right?

I do think we are addicted to that escapism. It allows us to hit the eject button whenever we feel uncomfortable and it gives us a place to retreat to when the present is less than ideal. Some people cannot even have a meal without going through their phones. They avoid contact and conversation. Our kids are playing with iPads instead of in sandboxes. It's alarming.

I implore you to break the mold and try a digital detox whenever possible.
Life is actually pretty cool when you're looking at the real thing.
Here are some tips to help you get started: A Quick Guide to Social Media and Smartphone Addiction [Infographic] - Talkspace Online Therapy Blog

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Why are people so addicted to their cell phones/smart phones?

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Answer (1 of 50): A Neurotransmitter In Your Brain Called Dopamine is The Cause Of Your Cell Phone or Smart Phone Addiction. Before, I start answering this question,let me confess that I am not a biologist and many of the things mentioned below is what I found reading from other experts.

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One in eight people are addicted to their smartphone.

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One in eight people are addicted to their smartphone.

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This article discusses that there was a study done and researchers found that 13% of us are addicted to our smartphones. On average people spend 3.6 hours of their time on a cellular device. Lucy Osborne, the writer of this article stated, "Smartphones are really addictive and the more you use one, the worse it gets, a new study revealed." They performed a study which resulted in 13% of 256 people were considered addicted to their smartphone device

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Study by University of Derby says 13 per cent of us are addicted

And the average user spends 3.6 hours a day on their smartphone

Moodiness, loneliness and jealousy are all key indicators of addiction

An obsession with physical appearance is also a telling sign

Study says phones should come with warnings that say they are addictive

Smartphones really are addictive and the more you use one, the worse it gets, a new study has revealed.

Moodiness, loneliness and jealousy are all key indicators of smartphone addiction, along with an obsession with physical appearance, the University of Derby study found.

Psychology lecturer, Dr Zaheer Hussain, who co-authored the study, found that the more you use a smartphone, the higher your risk of becoming addicted.

He explained that higher scores of narcissism - defined as excessive interest or admiration of oneself and one's physical appearance - is the most common and obvious sign of the addiction.

An obsession with taking selfies and posting them on social media is one key indication.

'A significant positive relationship was found between narcissism and addiction to the phones, suggesting that the more narcissistic a person is, the more likely they are to be addicted to their smartphone,' he said.

The study found that 13 per cent of 256 participants were addicts. The average age of those who took part in the online survey was 29.

As a result, the researchers say they believe it should be made compulsory that anyone selling smartphones should warn customers of their potentially addictive properties.

Dr Hussain said: 'The study informs us about smartphone overuse and the impact on psychological well-being.

'We now use smartphones on a daily basis and for various tasks so being aware of the psychological effects is very important.

'There are various smartphone apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Candy Crush, as well as Skype and email that make smartphone use psychologically more attractive and can lead to addiction.'

The study also revealed the average user spent 3.6 hours per day on the device, and when the participants were asked if they used their phone in banned areas, 35 per cent answered yes.

Social networking sites were the most popularly used apps - 87 per cent - followed by instant messaging apps - 52 per cent - and then news apps - 51 per cent.

Relationships were also noted in the research as, despite 46.8 per cent of participants speaking positively of improved social relations, nearly a quarter admitted their smartphones create communication issues within 'real life'.

Professor James Elander, Head of the Centre for Psychological Research at the University of Derby, said: 'This study is a very timely one with much potential impact, and the findings show that users should be more aware of how they are using their smartphones and of the potential risks of excessive use.

A study in 2011 found more than half of adults and two thirds of teenagers said they have used their smartphone while socialising with others.

Nearly a quarter of adults and a third of teenagers have used them during mealtimes and over a fifth of adults admitted using or answering their handset in the bathroom.

The research found that the line between work and social time is also becoming increasingly blurred with 30 per cent of smartphone users saying they regularly take personal calls during working hours and work calls while they are on holiday.

In 2013, John Benson from Blackpool said his addiction to his smartphone led to him losing his job and relationship. His therapist, Steve Pope, said for some of his patients smartphones are 'as addictive as cocaine or any other drug.'

The research paper, titled: 'Smartphone Use, Addiction, Narcissism, and Personality: A Mixed Methods Investigation' has recently been published in the International Journal of Cyber Behaviour, Psychology and Learning (IJCBPL).

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One in eight people are addicted to smartphones, study claims

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Study by University of Derby says 13 per cent of us are addicted And the average user spends 3.6 hours a day on their smartphone Moodiness, loneliness and jealousy are all key indicators of addiction An obsession with physical appearance is also a telling sign Study says phones should come with warnings that say they are addictive Smartphones really are addictive and the more you use one, the worse it gets, a new study has revealed.