You can get addicted to them, and when that happens, your well-being can be adversely affected. Sometimes, the damage is irreversible. They are portable - you can bring them around with you, which of course, makes the addiction even harder to manage. Addictions are human weakness and nothing to be embarrassed about, but when your health deteriorates because of them, it is no laughing matter.
As with all types of addictions, the greatest challenge is not exercising the solutions, but admitting that you have an addiction and are willing to release yourself from it.
If you have been looking out for signs of phone addiction in yourself, you probably don’t need to worry about this. If you’re helping someone else, first of all yelling at him or telling him straight in the face that he is addicted and demanding that he locks his phone away will most likely only result in aggressive denial. Instead, talk to him in a calm manner, show him tangible proof (like phone bills), remind him that the cell phone isn’t his only source of entertainment. Let him know that there can be positive outcomes from reducing phone usage e.g. the money from the reduced phone bills can be used for treats like outings, movies or a new dvd. Understand the reasons behind his obsession with his cell phone so that you can come up with feasible solutions. Is he bored or lonely? Perhaps the cell phone is his only outlet of relieving stress.
But
recognising signs of addiction doesn’t necessarily mean a desire to rid the
addiction. In fact, some people are so proud of their addiction that they make
it a point to announce it on a T-shirt (though they are probably not badly
affected if they can joke about it). The hazards of phone addiction are reasons
why we should not be too attached to our metal pals, and they should be explained
or reinforced to the user so that he/she can make a wise decision instead of feeling compelled into it.
Constant
exposure to radiation, straining eyes with glaring screen light and small size
of graphics and text, poor sitting posture that can lead to aches, putting on
weight due to a sedentary lifestyle, failure to communicate comfortably with
others upfront due to overreliance on typing behind a screen…… these are
hazards than can be easily comprehended without extensive scientific knowledge, and
are possibly already felt by intense users. Being aware of the problem makes it easier to resolve cutting down on phone
usage.
An ultimate ban on cell phone use is not realistic, as cell phones are actually useful and important communication tools if used well. Confiscating a phone may only instigate rebelliousness as the user turns to other sources and means to obtain a new phone.
Start off by removing non-crucial applications from your phone, as these are often the greatest distractions and reasons of addiction. Many entertainment functions can still be performed without your phone. For example, you can watch videos on your TV and computer, and at a much more comfortable size too. You can access Facebook and Twitter on your computer, though not all the time, but that is precisely why you’re fighting an addiction. There are other great games available for free online; you won’t be missing much by removing your gaming applications. Without having access to these on the go, you will find more time to engage in more important and meaningful activities.
Do not bring your cell phone charger with you when you are outside of home. Limit yourself to charging your phone only once a day. If you find yourself with no access to a useable phone before the end of the day, you will have little choice but to start regulating your phone usage.
Take
your mind off your phone with other fun and interesting activities. Watch television with
your family. Attend social gatherings and outings with your friends. Go out for
a walk in the park and breathe some fresh air. Crack a book. You will find these activities
more healthy and fun than hunching over the tiny screen.
Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. Tell your family and friends honestly that you are using your phone way too much and would like to stop this. They can help you to keep your phone usage in check, remind you when you are using it for too long, and create opportunities and activities to get you off that phone.
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