Everyone has their own unique relationship with technology but some are taking it too far and technology may be affecting their life, as all addictions do. Are you a cell phone addict? Is your time on a screen impacting your sleep because of late-night use? If so, then it might be time for you to evaluate what's happening in your life when it comes to the use of an electronic device.
Do you find yourself reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up or get out of bed?
If you find yourself reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up that is a sign of device addiction.
One way to help curb your bad habit is to use a timer to remind yourself not to pick up the phone until at least one hour has passed. You can also turn off notifications on your device so that they won’t disturb sleep or play.
Also, consider putting the device out of so you're not tempted to use it while doing other activities such as exercising or working on projects around the house.
Are you often late to appointments because you got distracted by something on your phone?
If you're late to appointments because you got distracted by something on your phone, then it is important for you to make amends with the person or people whom you missed. It is also important for you to schedule your appointments ahead of time so that there are no surprises and no need for an alarm on your phone.
Do you become restless, upset, or agitated when you do not have your phone with you?
If you find yourself becoming restless, upset, or agitated when you don't have your phone with you, it could be indicative that you are suffering from phone addiction. This is probably because the act of using your device provides temporary relief from any negative feelings that may be occurring in the background. You may feel anxious or irritable if you do not have access to your phone. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you do not have access to your phone
Do you reach for your phone when there is nothing in particular that you want to look at, just to pass time?
If you find yourself reaching for your phone when there is nothing in particular that you want to look at, just to pass time, it's possible that your addiction may be interfering with other activities. If so, consider using this as an opportunity to set a goal for yourself: perhaps try taking a break from checking your phone for one hour every day.
You could also try setting a timer and ignoring notifications during specific periods throughout the day (e.g., checking emails only at 9 am and 5 pm).
Do other people ever complain about the amount of time that you spend on your cell phone?
Do other people ever complain about the amount of time that you spend on your cell phone? If so, this may be a sign that you are spending too much time on your phone.
If it is a problem for other people who are close to you, then it could be a problem for you as well. You might need to cut back on using your cell phone.
Do telephones and/or computers disturb or interfere with your sleep patterns?
Do you find yourself being drawn to your phone or computer at night? If so, it’s likely that it is affecting your sleep patterns. A growing body of research suggests that excessive electronic device use can interfere with sleep quality and cause insomnia. The effects of poor quality sleep can be significant for mental health and physical health alike: for example, research has shown a link between insufficient sleep time (less than 6 hours) and depression symptoms in teenagers among others. Sleep deprivation will have negative impacts on cognitive functioning such as memory. Studies show that poor quality sleep may affect performance on tasks involving working memory capacity over time by interfering with the consolidation of new information into long-term memory storage areas of the brain during periods of sleep.
Have you ever lied to conceal the extent of involvement with telephones and/or computers?
If you are lying to yourself about your phone usage, it's a serious sign that you need help.
Be honest about the number of hours per day or week you spend on your cell phone.
If you're trying to hide your addiction from others, it's time for some intervention.
Has the use of telephones and/or computers damaged your job or educational performance?
Has the use of telephones and/or computers damaged your job or educational performance?
If you've been using your phone for more than three hours per day, then it is likely to be negatively affecting your work performance. This can also affect your relationship with colleagues and supervisors.
Have loved ones or friends expressed concern or asked questions about the excessive use of electronic devices?
It is important to talk about your addiction. If family and friends have expressed concern or asked questions about the excessive use of electronic devices, they may be able to help you get help. Your family and friends can also help you find the support you need by helping you find a therapist, or they can help you find online resources that can provide information and support.
