Study likens cellphone dependence to an addiction
By Evan Blass 
posted May 5th 2006 12:30PM
posted May 5th 2006 12:30PM
A recent study by the Queensland University
in Australia discovered what we've already pretty much known from several years of smartphone ownership, which is that
people's reliance on their cellphones can often take the form of an addiction. Diana James and her colleagues analyzed
the behavior of mobile owners 45-and-under in situations where they were separated from their phones, and found that
many displayed the same withdrawal symptoms common to smoking, gambling, or eating addictions: lower self esteem,
nervousness, and in some cases, even deep agitation. Besides emotional problems, excessive calling and texting can lead
to steep cellphone bills and even the occasional repetitive stress injury, warns James, who says that if you're using
your phone to make yourself feel better at the expense of your job or your health, then you may have a problem. Don't
worry, though, you're not alone...[Via textually]
Maybe it's not so much an addiction to cellphones as much as to keeping in touch with people. That would explain the "lower self-esteem" part. I have lots of out-of-town friends I don't get to see often-- I'd definitely feel down if I didn't get to talk with them regularly, via cell, calling card, or transatlantic stringed tin cans...
The fact of the matter is that we use cell phones as muc has those in suburban areas use cars. Take it away and all of a sudden you can't get where you need to be, talk to those who are waitin gfor you, etc.
Addiction? I don't think so. It's just how we operate nowadays.
Can we get a study on how people are addicted to cars? Take their cars away during the week and all of a sudden they're agitated...go figure.
I get agitated when I don't have my phone, because it replaces a lot of things I don't want to carry around on a regular basis (mp3 player, organizer, etc). We'll probably see more of this as smartphone features creep down to the low end phones.
Everything that's a (big) part of your life will probably have this effect on you. Who get paid to do these studies?
Can I get paid to study how people react when I take away their clothes? I can write the conclusion already:
People get "lower self esteem, nervousness, and in some cases, even deep agitation".
Now, where's my money?
" Diana James and her colleagues analyzed the behavior of mobile owners 45-and-under in situations where they were separated from their phones, and found that many displayed the same withdrawal symptoms common to smoking, gambling, or eating addictions: lower self esteem, nervousness, and in some cases, even deep agitation. "
I used mobile phone for 4 years and now for the last month I am not of using it and I see none of these problems. Well, may be for me it is different because I do not smoke or even drink tea or coffee.
I think it's critical that people realize their level of dependency.
Not all doctors do agree on what addiction or dependency it is. But from a user point it is a addiction.
It's just how we operate nowadays.
As a newly qualified Phone Stress Management councillor (all of 3 mins) I am happy to tell you you can now get immediate help by calling 1 808 515 6655 (calls cost £1 per min rising to £10 per min off peak) which im sure will prevent many people from claiming they have this problem. CURED!
...and it's not just mobile phones. For example, I feel the same way towards the Internet. Slightly worrying.
Whats next people who are into fashion get all their clothes taken and then have withdrawal symtomps this is really absurd we arent scientist using their ''intellect'' to find cures instead or tech that helps impaired people
and about the above article DUH! its 2006 what do you expect people to back into the dark ages seriously what happened to freedom scientist now dictate how we use phones sad sad!!!!
My name is Nelya and I'm a film student and I recently did a short documentary on Mobile phone addiction.
I think you maybe interested in it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qUA4f0BYds
Let me know what you think?
cheers
Nelya Valamanesh.
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