Phone addiction.. What is phone addiction?

 There are over 3.8 billion smartphone users in the world; within that population; 6.3% have a phone addiction. Let's talk about "what is phone addiction?" Phone addiction is the obsessive use of a smartphone. The behavioral addiction is often dubbed as "nomophobia," or the fear of being without a movile device. There are over 3.8 billion smartphone users in the world. Research published by virgin mobile discovered that those billions of smartphone user receive 427% more messages and notifications than they did a decade ago.They also send 278% more text.

The rise in phone use seem to like a natural necessity for modern life, however, it can also cause concern and negative consequences. The heavy use of these devices has consumers questioning their cellular habits. According to research, since 2004 searches for "cell phone addiction" have been rising. Access to a smartphone can make life easier by making information accessible  but still the convenience comes at a price. The devices are carefully designed to be hard to put down. Through its colors, sounds and vibration, the technology purposely keeps its user engaged. 

Chronic phone use is a recently developed form of addiction. The America Psychiatric Association does not officially recognize the condition. Still, it is acknowledged as a behavioral addiction by many medical professionals and researchers worldwide. According to several research, overtime, the devoted use of smartphone s can alter and negatively impact an individual much like gambling. Phone may lead to:

1. Sleep deficit 

2. Lower concentration 

3. Creativity blocks 

4. Aggravated ADD 

5. Anxiety 

6. Stress 

7. Loneliness 

8. Inseurity 

9. Poor grades 

10. Impaired relationship 

Chronic phone use can also cause other physical dysfunction, like GABA ( a neutrotransmitter in the brain) dysfunction and a loss of grey matter in the brain, which are highly correlated to substances l use disorder. Research shows that chronic phone use can increase or decrease GABA production. Disturbances to the GABA system are proven to be warning sign of addiction.It is also important to note that therevhas also been a rise in depression and suicide among teenagers in recent years correlated to phone addiction. Many researchers believe the rise in suicide is a direct reflection of the negative effects of phone addiction.