"Smartphone addiction," or dependence on and anxiety caused by being disconnected from one's smartphone, is growing increasingly common as more people worldwide make the switch to internet-connected cell phones (80% of online adults now own smartphones.) Smartphone dependence has been linked to depression and anxiety, as well as decreased ability to control impulses. As anyone who has felt the need to check their phone constantly while working or spending time with friends knows, smartphones can interrupt or delay family time, real-life relationships, schoolwork, and physical activity. But a study conducted by Dr. Junghon Lee shows that an addiction to one's smartphone may be more serious: the study's findings show that smartphone addiction can lead to psychopathy and antisocial behavior in adolescents.
The study, conducted in July of 2013, measured the level of smartphone and internet addiction in 195 Korean adolescents using the Kimberly Young Internet Addiction Test, and tested for psychopathology with the Korean Youth Self Report to see how smartphone use affected young people’s minds. The results of the study showed that higher scores for smartphone addiction corresponded with higher scores for psychopathology. Lee also found that some signs of smartphone addiction are using a smartphone in the bathroom or before bed, and abnormal behavior after losing a phone. The results of this study were not perfect because there is no standardized smartphone addiction scale.
Contrary to popular belief, smartphone addiction is not yet a real medical diagnosis. However, many people report feeling dependent on their smartphones, and display behaviors similar to those of one addicted to drugs or alcohol, such as feeling anxious when their phone is not in their possession and letting their urge to check their phone interrupt human interactions. People who exhibit addictive behavior often plan their lives around their addiction, try to hide their addiction, and use their addiction as an escape from anxiety. People who develop an addictive personality are often insecure or unstable in their environments so they turn to substances such as drugs or activities such as gambling or shopping because they feel that it is something they can control.
One chemical cause of an addictive personality is abnormal dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps to keep emotions under control, but many people with addictive personalities have abnormally high dopamine levels. Addictions are usually followed by long-term psychological problems, and people often relapse into addictive behavior after initially being “cured.” Due to the instant gratification, constant stream of new information, and feeling of connectivity that smartphones provide, they are an easy addiction for those with naturally addictive personalities.
People who are addicted to their smartphones often exhibit antisocial behavior, which in extreme cases can lead to a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder. Someone who is diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder, commonly referred to as Psychopathy, shows few feelings besides contempt for others, lacks meaningful relationships in their life, and shows a lack of remorse for the harm their behavior causes. They often exhibit false charm to mask their lack of empathy, and can be manipulative. Psychopaths also lack a normal fear reaction. While anticipating an electric shock, most people experience a brain network activating and sweat gland activity, while psychopaths experience neither. The exact cause of psychopathy is not known, but some factors that may contribute are environment, cognitive and behavioral problems. Psychopathy is treated through long-term psychotherapy and behavior modification.
A writer for the Huffington Post claims that among other signs, some of the clearest indicators that someone is addicted to their smartphone are that they check their phone while talking to people, fall asleep holding their phone, and check their phone before doing anything else in the morning. If you find yourself displaying these behaviors, you may find that setting limits on your cell phone use can help to decrease your smartphone dependence. For example, Psychology Today suggests leaving your phone behind when going to the bathroom, turning it off when spending time with friends, and making agreements with your friends and family members that you will only check your phones every ninety minutes.
