Cell Phone Addiction - Treatment, Symptoms and Causes

With the advent of new technology, our life has improved a lot. Cell phones or smartphones are such inventions which has changed the way of our life. But, the question lies on the part where cell phone is a boon or bane. Definitely, cell phones are a boon for us, but is it used in the right manner? This is the point to be noted. With the introduction of Android, IPhones, etc. the usage and availability of internet has increased. So, the extensive use of cell phones in our daily lives has created some issues. This addiction towards cell phones/smart phones is termed as cell phone addiction. Survey shows that 90% of adults in America own a cell phone. The extensive use of these cell phones which is a habit developed by some individuals is a problem to be discussed in this modern world. Overuse of phones will make people more dependent on these devices. The influence of cell phone addiction in ruining relationships is not insignificant. Mostly, young people are addicted to cell phones. This can create lot of problems in their life if they are not careful while dealing with cell phones.

The causes of cell phone addiction are numerous. Cell phones are eating the brains of the younger generation through addiction. The main reasons for cell phone addiction are as follows:

• Availability of internet: Internet makes things simpler nowadays and will help us to find anything and everything. Internet is the major factor which provokes people to use cell phones or smartphones more and more.

• Functionalities: Cell Phones provide wide variety of functions or features to its users. Most of the people check their phone for messages and calls if there is no vibration or ring which is in turn termed as addiction.

• Gaming: Video games available on the cell phones or smartphones compel the users to use them more. In modern cell phone/ smartphone market, gaming is shown as important feature of the phone which has the capability of addicting the users.

The symptoms shown by a person during cell phone addiction may be terrible. Some of the symptoms of cell phone addiction are as follows:

• Anger, tension, depression, irritation, restlessness when cell phone network is low or battery is low.

• Putting relationship at risk due to cell phone use.

• A need to use cell phone more and more often for the same use.

• Digital eye strains, discomfort associated with viewing a screen.

• Neck problems due to excessive use of cell phone.

• Male infertility due to radiation.

• Lack of interest in other activities and hesitating to interact with people.

Cell phone addiction cannot be easily treated. Like other addictions, there are no approved medical treatments for cell phone addiction. Following are some of the ways through which a person can overcome cell phone addiction.

• Self treatment: You have to set treatment by yourself for overcoming the cell phone addiction. If you want to stop some habits, you have to think.

• Set time limits: To stop the excess use of cell phones, you have to set time limits for the usage of the device.

• Switch it off: The only way to stop using cell phone is to switch it off and use only when needed. It is painful in the beginning but it is the effective way to overcome cell phone addiction.

• Interacting with people: Try to interact with family members and people which will reduce the stress of not using cell phones. Talking to someone is one of the effective ways to solve any problem.

Cell phone addiction creates a bad impact in the overall living structure of an individual. The simple ways to prevent cell phone addiction are:

• Turn off your phone to the maximum extent.

• Remove those excess apps which disturb you or provoke you to use the smart phone more.

• One of the weirdest habits found in youngsters is using phones even in the bathroom. Keep the bathroom cell phone free.

• Do not keep your cell phone in the bedroom as much as possible.

• Stop caring about your cell phone. Instead care for people.

The cell phone inside your pocket has the ability to hamper you if not used in the right way. It should be dealt with utmost care and diligence. The cell phone addict will show unpredictable reactions or symptoms when the usage of cell phones are withdrawn. The person will be irritated or feel angry while the connectivity of the cell phone is gone. Also a gamer addicted to his phone may feel restless if he is restricted or resisted from using the phone. The person who always checks the phone during every hour will be very depressed if the usage is restricted. So, the usage should be very limited. If used carefully, cell phone can be your good companion. So, use the cell phone very wisely and avoid the addiction.