Symptoms of Phone Zombie Addiction
It’s no secret that the number of smartphone users is skyrocketing, with 3.8 billion people in the world owning at least one mobile device. But despite this growth, there’s also growing concern that excessive use of these devices could be bad for our health.
Among adults, the average person uses their phone zombies for a whopping 4.4 hours per day. That’s up from 3.2 hours in 2004. And when you add the time spent texting, calling or surfing social media sites, that translates to almost 15 hours a day, which makes for an addiction.
That’s more than twice the amount of time devoted to sleeping each night, and that’s when the most serious damage is being done to our sleep-wake cycles. The CDC reports that teens who spend too much time on their phones can experience disrupted sleep, which is associated with increased levels of stress and anxiety.
What Are the Symptoms of Phone Zombie Addiction?
The problem goes beyond just sleeplessness — it’s also related to anxiety, depression, and impulsive behavior. The constant use of your phone can also affect how you perform at work, at school and in relationships, according to experts.
The biggest warning sign that you or someone you love has an addiction to their phones is that they’re unable to limit their use. If you’re seeing these signs, it’s a good idea to get help. There are a variety of resources and programs available to help those who struggle with their phone habits, including therapy, support groups, self-help books and apps that can help you set limits and stay accountable.
A therapist can help you identify the root cause of your phone obsession and learn new ways to deal with the urges that arise when you’re using your device. Psychologists may also suggest a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps illuminate the links between your thoughts and behaviors.
A common symptom of phone zombies is frequent slouching to look at their screens. Researchers have found that this behavior alters the chemicals in our brains, causing mood and memory problems. The slouching can make it harder to pay attention in a conversation, so it’s a good idea to get a posture coach or ask someone to help you retrain your body.
If you want to stop slouching, try getting up out of your chair and walking around a bit. This will force you to put your phone down, and it will be easier to focus on other things.
In addition to changing your posture, consider removing the time-consuming apps on your phone. This will help you to focus on other things, like your family or work, and may prevent you from falling into a smartphone habit in the first place.
You can also try setting aside a specific time each day when you’re not allowed to check your phone. This can be difficult for some people, but a dedicated commitment to turning your phone off or putting it in a drawer will be a big help.