In addition to the other proclaimed dangerous of cell phone use, like driving while talking, research is now being conducted into the possible addiction of cell phones. The thoughts behind it are that, in today’s increasingly reliant on technology society, we are unable to allow ourselves to be disconnected from not only technology but from everyone around us.
Who It Could Affect
Business Users
The ability now to conduct business from anywhere can be both a blessing and a curse. It means that you have a bit of freedom from being tied to the office, but it also can mean you are reachable even when you are out of the office, or on vacation.
Teenagers
Teenagers seem most susceptible to addictions in general, but the ability to be in touch with their friends at all times can be a major drawback to a teenager having the use of a cell phone.
None of us like to believe that we could be affected by any kind of addiction, but the fact of the matter is that addictions are not selective about who they affect, nor are they selective about the manner they affect us.
Learn The Signs
High Bills – People who are addicted to their cell phones often give little thought to the cost of their incessant cell phone usage. There are voice and data plans that allow for heavy usage; however, with addictions seldom does logic follow. The logical thing would be to increase voice and data plans to sufficiently cover the high use of the cell phone; but if someone is addicted they are most likely also in denial about their addiction. The thought process behind the denial is usually “I don’t use my phone enough to increase my plans that much!”
Eyes Glued To The Display – If a person is addicted to their cell phone, then the odds are they are constantly checking their phone for a missed call, a voice mail, or a missed text message. This can not only be annoying, but it can take a turn for the dangerous when the person is also driving a vehicle.
Behavior – Anxiety like behavior when separated from a cell phone has been reported as a major sign that someone might be addicted to their mobile phone. If you or someone close to you expresses high levels of anxiety or worry when they are unable to make a phone call or send a text message you might consider them to be addicted.
Never Ending Use – A person who is addicted to their cell phone will find it difficult to put it down, in a variety of different situations. How often do you see someone talking loudly on a cell phone while in a restaurant? Or sitting in a doctor’s waiting room while talking on their cell phone? The worst cases reported have been people even talking on their cell phone while using a public restroom!
Addiction to a cell phone can affect personal relationships, with partners and even kids believing they are not as important as your cell phone; even work performance can be dramatically affected by the use of a cell phone if the addicted person is constantly checking voice mail, or sending text messages.
Treatment
As is the case with many addictions and behavior disorders, antidepressants and anxiety medications can often do a great job in easing the reliance on a cell phone.
If your job requires you to have the use of a cell phone you may find it difficult to wean yourself away from it after hours; however, with a bit of persistence and determination you will find that this is possible. Try to separate the usage of the cell phone for business reasons from the rest of your life.
