Cell phone addiction is a term that describes a pattern of excessive phone use that causes negative consequences in one’s life. Some people may feel anxious, irritable, or depressed when they are away from their phones, or have trouble controlling their impulses to check their phones constantly. Cell phone addiction can affect physical and mental health, as well as relationships, work, and productivity. Some signs of cell phone addiction include:
- Spending more time on the phone than intended
- Feeling restless or unhappy without the phone
- Neglecting other activities or responsibilities because of the phone
- Having conflicts with others over phone use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the phone
Though cell phone addiction is not officially recognized as a disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, some experts believe that it is a form of behavioral addiction that involves the release of dopamine, a brain chemical that makes us feel good.
To break free from cell phone addiction, one may need to set limits on phone use, find alternative ways to cope with stress or boredom, seek professional help if needed, and develop healthier habits that promote well-being.
This lab looks at physiological changes, such as heart rate and blood pressure, when having the phone and then in a situation where the phone is placed away from the individual, yet they may be able to hear notifications but cannot respond. For hypothesis testing, students can also add other parameters, ECG, PulseOx, and GSR as examples.
