Introduction:

“These days we have Smartphones, Smart cars, Smart boards, Smart everything, but consider this: if the technology is getting smarter, does that mean humans are getting dumber?” - Rebecca McNutt

Since the invention of the cell phone, the unusual usage of this technology has raised concerns about whether misuse of the device could result in addiction. The issue with behavioural addictions existing in contrast to chemical addictions is the same as this one.

In today's interconnected world, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, enabling us to stay connected, informed, and entertained. However, this constant connectivity comes at a cost. Many individuals have fallen prey to the alluring grip of phone addiction, a modern-day phenomenon that can have profound effects on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This article aims to shed light on phone addiction, its causes, consequences, and strategies to overcome it.

In a case study done by Cureus, the author conveys about how the mobile addiction after conducting pre-testing on a sample of ten adolescents, the researcher created an interview schedule as the study instrument. Details regarding the bio-data and sociodemographic characteristics were included in the interview schedule. Cell phone enslavement was evaluated utilizing the recently approved Cell Phone Dependence Scale (MPAS) by Basu et al. comprising of 20 things with each deliberate on a six-point Likert scale [9]. According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the 20 items covered six domains of substance dependence: intense desire, impaired control, harmful use, withdrawal, tolerance, and decreased interest in alternative pleasures.

A methodical random sampling of households was used to select them from each area. With the assistance of frontline health workers (Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi workers), the line list of households in each block was compiled. There was a sum of 3201 families in the review region and an examining span was determined as 12. The first household in A block was then selected through simple random sampling while standing at the first house. A great deal was taken by lottery technique for choosing the principal family and from there on each twelfth house was chosen for the review. All other blocks were treated in a similar manner until the sample size was reached. An adolescent between the ages of 10 and 19 was chosen for the interview from the chosen household. Assuming that there were more than one juvenile gathering the consideration measures in the chose family, then, at that point, the review member was chosen through straightforward arbitrary examining utilizing the lottery strategy. The participant was covered in two subsequent visits if they were not present on the day of the visit. The eligible participant was dropped from the study and the next eligible participant was chosen if a particular house was found to be locked on three consecutive visits. The next systematic house was taken if no eligible person was found.

Symptoms of Phone addiction

1. The necessity to use the phone more frequently in order to get the same result.
2. Repeatedly failing to cut back on cell phone usage.
3. Obsession with using a smartphone.
4. Uses a cell phone to escape uncomfortable emotions like worry or melancholy.
5. Abnormal use characterised by a sensation of time lost.
6. Has endangered a job or a relationship because of excessive cell phone use.
7. Tolerance.
8. Demand for the most recent smartphone, more applications, or higher usage.
9. Withdrawal when a network or cell phone is unavailable.
10. Anger.
11. Tension.
12. Depression.
13. Irritability.
14. Restlessness.

Understanding Phone Addiction:

Phone addiction, also known as nomophobia (the dread of being without a mobile device), refers to compulsive and excessive smartphone use that interferes with everyday life activities, relationships, and productivity. It manifests as an insatiable desire to check notifications, social media updates, and engage in online activities, which has a negative impact on one's personal and professional life.

Phone Addiction Causes:

1. Instant gratification: Smartphones allow instant access to a wide range of information, entertainment, and social contact, causing our brains to release dopamine. As we try to duplicate the joy of receiving notifications or engaging with online content, this reinforcement process drives repetitive phone use.
2. FOMO: The fear of missing out on significant events or developments leads people to continually stay connected and updated via their phones. Social media platforms reinforce this fear by giving the appearance of constant activity and sharing.
3. Emotional Regulation and Escapism: Phones provide an escape from real-world concerns and emotional discomfort. Social media and video games provide brief relief from stress, worry, and loneliness. As people rely on their phones to cope with bad feelings, this can lead to a cycle of reliance.

Phone Addiction's Consequences:

1. Impaired Relationships: Excessive phone use can put a burden on personal relationships, resulting in less quality time, less involvement, and less closeness. People who are addicted to their phones may prioritise virtual relationships above real-life interactions, leaving loved ones feeling neglected and alone.
2. Mental Health Issues: Phone addiction has been related to a variety of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Constant exposure to online platforms can lead to comparison, cyberbullying, and negative self-image, worsening or nurturing existing mental health disorders.
3. Productivity Loss: Excessive phone use reduces productivity at work or school. Distractions such as notifications, social networking, and mobile gaming can result in less focus, greater procrastination, and worse overall performance.

How to Overcome Phone Addiction:

1. Self-Awareness: Recognise and accept the issue. Consider how excessive phone use is hurting your life and commit to making a change.
2. Establish restrictions: Set explicit restrictions for phone usage. To achieve a better balance between virtual and real-life activities, use features like as screen time limitations, app timers, and "do not disturb" mode.
3. Look for Alternative Activities: Replace phone time with important offline activities like hobbies, exercise, reading, or spending time with family and friends.

Case study conclusions:

264 teenagers participated in the research. The response rate among males was 93.8% and 94.6% among girls. In the survey, 122 (46.2%) males and 142 (53.8%) girls participated. The average age of teenagers was 14.2 2.4 years, with males being 14.4 2.3 years old and girls being 14.1 2.4 years old.

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