Smartphone Addiction

We are all somehow addicted to something we might not be aware of. When we hear the word addiction, most of us immediately think of substance use like alcohol, drugs, or other chemical substances. But there is another form of addiction, called non-drug addiction, also known as behavioural addiction or non-substance addiction.

Behavioural addiction is a process addiction when a person engages in a certain behaviour repeatedly and can’t stop, even as it brings them personal harm. The constantly recurring behaviour becomes a habit and slowly turns into a compulsive behaviour that, in turn, becomes difficult to avoid or control. Among the various forms of behavioural addiction, smartphone addiction is one of the rising issues in today's world.

Smartphones were revolutionary, connecting loved ones from different continents and giving access to the world’s information at our fingertips. They were designed to make communication easy and promote global connectivity. But somewhere along the process, with the evolution of smartphones, their purpose also changed into something as harmful as any substance. What we began as a way to stay connected has quietly become something we can't disconnect from. 

In an era where a smartphone feels like part of our hands now, we are not only dealing with substance dependency but also smartphone dependency. Research has shown that smartphone addiction activates the same neural pathways in the brain as drug addiction, particularly the dopamine reward system. Each notification, like, comment, or message triggers a small dopamine release, reinforcing our need to check our phones compulsively, taking control of the brain just like other substance dependence. 

Since phone usage is common, most are not aware of phone addiction, making it harder to recognise as an addiction. People don’t realise that endless scrolling and an overdose of information are having a severe effect on physical and mental health. It is hard to believe that we are so attached to phones that it feels like a part of us, and without them, we cannot operate. 

Individuals with smartphone addiction are more prone to internet addiction. Additional social media like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, which are designed for compulsive use, make smartphones the primary tool for developing internet addiction. Internet and smartphone addictions are linked to negative psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and aggression. Adolescents with these addictions tend to have lower life satisfaction, higher academic stress, and increased emotional difficulties.

A study by Heidelberg University researchers found that smartphone addiction leads to physical changes in brain structure, particularly reducing grey matter in areas responsible for emotions, memory, and decision-making. These findings suggest that excessive smartphone use may cause brain changes similar to those seen in other behavioural addictions.

Not only that, it can also affect the social relationships of individuals. When someone spends more time on screen to be connected online, they often disconnect from their real world around them. This can lead to difficulty in relating to people in real-life settings and may lead to irritation or anxiety whenever phone or internet usage is interrupted.

It is true that we cannot completely eliminate using mobile phones, as it has become a necessity in today's digital world. They have become an essential way for communication, education, work, and staying informed. But it is manageable. Instead of mindless scrolling, we can replace that time with off-screen, offline activities such as reading, exercising, or spending time with friends and family.