In today’s age, perhaps brotherly love has gone the way of flip phones.
A new United States study discovered that a growing number of Americans are becoming addicted and dependent to their smartphone, and would even potentially isolate themselves just to be with a mobile device.
The survey conducted by Motorola Mobility and B2X found that one in seven people in a study of 518 people said forfeiting their friends for one week would be a lot easier than giving up their phones for the same length of time. This has researchers concluding that “Americans are addicted to their smartphones.”
Of course, the surprising results didn’t stop there.
Close to three-quarters (74 percent) of survey participants said they keep their smartphones within reach throughout the entire day. Also, 60 percent admitted to sleeping with their smartphones, but that figure rises to 84 percent when those aged 18 to 24 are put under the microscope. More than half (53 percent) would keep their phone’s sound on while they sleep.
Furthermore, when money is added to the equation they still can’t give it up. When respondents were asked if they would go without their phone for one whole day if they were given $100, 40 percent conceded it would be difficult or impossible.
Although the figures are interesting to examine and provide insight into the average person’s obsession with smartphones, the study authors meant to understand people’s needs when it comes to smartphone customer service.
This isn’t the first time that a study has highlighted people’s smartphone fixation.
Earlier this year, the Washington Post published a report on smartphone addicts – this can be described as nomophobia, a fear of being without your smartphone. This is someone who opens apps 60 times a day, which is growing at more than five times the rate of regular users. It cited Nicholas Carr, who wrote in “The Shallows”:
“The smartphone, more than any other gadget, steals from us the opportunity to maintain our attention, to engage in contemplation and reflection, or even to be alone with our thoughts.”
Psychology Today opines that as society becomes entrenched with smartphones there will eventually be phone-free zones, which is already a growing trend, though a small one. The science publication noted how smoking was encouraged, but when it started to encounter hostility, there were many smoke-free zones being established.
“The same thing seems to be happening to the cellphone. Have you noticed that certain areas are now displaying ‘No cell phone use’ signs? It’s because common courtesy is often thrown out the window when we’re on the phone. We don’t want to hear about Aunt Jennie’s new boy toy, Grandpa’s gout or our neighbor’s sister’s boyfriend who needs bail money.”
In fact, an Israeli restaurant is offering a discount for customers who turn off their phone. The owner presents the case that smartphones have ruined the dining experience as companionship, conversation and food appreciation has diminished over the past few years.
Question: when was the last time you went out and you saw a group of people ignoring each other and instead embedded themselves on their phones?
