Rem Salem Phone Addiction Introduction Dont you hate that one friend thats constantly on their phone?

I always feel disrespected when Im trying to carry out a conversation with someone, however they feel like twitter Facebook or Instagram is important than what Im saying. Or maybe you are that one friend that cant keep their phones away from a second .Technology in todays society plays a vital role .more so cell phone seem to be controlling many aspects of our lives nowadays. There are many positive outcomes from advancements such as phones. According to a study conducted at Sanford university of 200 hundred individuals 34 percent have labeled themselves as addicted to their phones, in addition 32 percent stated that they would someday become addicted to their smart phones . (Sahin 2001) As a matter of fact, if I were to ask any of my friends of the students of UNCC they would respond in the same manner. If you ask anyone what they cant leave the house without phone would be one of the top three answers. Although phones are efficient and convenient, its important to recognize when too much of a good thing is bad. Many people cannot function and concentrate well without having their phones in their pockets. For instance, as humans we get attached to technology and start to fully depend on it as a constant source of information. Nowadays phone etiquette says a lot about an individuals character and how respectful they are of their surroundings. There are some situations where the expectations for cellular phone etiquette are changed, such as before class starts and if the teacher instructs that phone usage is permitted. Its always important to use good judgment and common sense when it comes to cellphone usage. Furthermore, when

Rem Salem working, driving, just hanging out with friends or doing whatever, to be honest, we are bound to be extremely attached to our phones with enjoying the pleasurable feelings from the act of texting or receiving messages. When it comes to my relationship with cell phone, it seems that if I am not called or texted, my self-esteem will be degraded; hence, in turn it will prevent an individual from focusing on school assignments or a good nights sleep. Being excessively obsessed with smart phone distracts us from noticing what important happen around us and getting things well done. This can cause your peers, family and friends to become frustrated with you. (Davis 2001) Admit it, nobody can deny the fact that smart phone not only provides us with a huge amount of information and various of applications, but also enables us to contact our friends and family. However, more attention should be paid to negative impact on the overuse of cell addiction. This paper will explore the negative health; physical and educational impact phone addition has on todays society(Sahin 2001)

Literature review Behavioral Phone addiction is a real problem that can be observed in todays population. One of its consequences is health issues. Many health issues can arise from phone addiction. A study that looked at this addiction was conducted by researchers Giovanni Martinotti, Corrado Villella, Domitilla Di Thiene, Marco Di Nicola, Pietro Bria, Gianluigi Conte, Maria Cassano,and Filippo Petruccelli. (Davis 2001) This study looked into the problems in which

Rem Salem occur from the negative effects of phone addiction. In this study they look at the increased phone usage as a type of behavioral addiction amongst teens and young adults in Italy. (Giovanni 2010) mobile phone addiction was described applying Browns criteria for behavioral addictions such as: cognitive salience, as the activity dominates the persons thoughts and behaviors; conflict with other persons or activities; euphoria or relief, a feeling of short-term pleasure from engaging in the behavior; tolerance or loss of control over the behavior; withdrawal, as experiencing unpleasant feelings when unable to engage in the behavior; relapse and reinstatement, indicated when people unsuccessfully attempt to cut down on the behavior, subsequently engaging in similar or higher levels than previously (Brown1993)Greater issues were looked into such as health problems caused by this addiction. Health issues among these teens ranged from depression to insomnia due to phone addiction. Other topics that were discussed in this article were compulsive buying, also viewed as behavioral addiction. Although this article did study phone addiction it also looked at different types of addictions healthful consequences. (Giovanni 2010) This makes me think about changing my thesis to somehow incorporate how addiction to normal activities can cause detrimental effects on humans as a whole. Another study that looked into the behavioral aspect of addiction is called Internet and mobile phone textmessaging dependency: Factor structure and correlation with dysphoric mood among Japanese adults. This research article was written by Junko Watanabe, Qingbo Liu, Masayo Uji , and Masahiro Shono. It looks into the use of internet and smart phones effect on health and lifestyle issues in the country of japan. This study was conducted by asking about 140 males and females a short questionnaire about their technology dependency and addiction. They found that those who suffered from phone addiction and technology dependency also

Rem Salem had a higher chance of developing or having hospital anxiety and depression. Although they didnt find many people that suffered from texting addiction they found that the more dependent an individual was on technology the more likely they were to suffer from depression and anxiety. Physical Phone addiction like other types of addiction also has its physical consequences on the human body. Here are just a few of the researches I have found in regards to this specific topic. The first research that was looked into was conducted by researchers Sevil Sahn, Kevser Ozdemir, Alaattin Unsal, and Nazen Temiz. The main purpose for this research is to examine how phone addiction is associated with health factors that had major physical consequences. Through is research it is concluded that there are three main serious consequences of excessive phone usage. (Sahin 2001) The first reason studied is the radiofrequency energy emitted by mobile devices. It is shown that overtime phone usage has exponentially increased, meaning that calls per day, the length of calls and amount of time people use their cell phones has increased. Researchers have carried out many types of scientific studies that examine the correlation between phone addiction and the risk of brain tumors. (Sahin 2001) In one of the studies conducted , named the case-control study. Cell phone addiction is looked at and compared between two groups of people, those that excessively use their phones and those who dont. Cancer patients were also analyzed over months in order to see if the rate of cancer increased as phone usage increased. This study allowed scientists

Rem Salem to determine if there is a contributing factor to cancer. These studies cannot provide a clear relationship between cancer and phone usage, meaning that we cannot conclude that phone usage causes cancer. However, by studying certain subgroups of individuals there have been statistically significant findings. The interphone study was conducted in 13 different countries and looked at the relationship between head and neck tuomrs. It is seem that there is that In addition this study looked at the correlation between the level in which university students are addicted to their phones and the quality of sleep they receive. The cross sectional study conducted in Sakarya University over 576 students detected that there was a strong correlation between phone addiction and sleep quality. Not only does phone addiction cause sleep qualikty to decrease but in addition the more an individual seemed to have phone addiction the worse the quality of sleep was. An interesting study I would like to view as a follow up is a longitudinal look at how the same individuals seem to receive better sleep quality as their addiction lessened or vice versa. (Sahin 2001) This research was the closest piece I found to fit my current thesis statement because it directly speaks to my paper. The second research under this topic is called The relationships between body mass index and television viewing, internet use and cellular phone use: the moderating effects of socio-demographic characteristics and exercise. This research article by Ryota Kanai, Tom Feilden, Colin Firth, and Geraint Rees assessed the health of individuals based on their body mass index. .( Judd 2010) This research showed a strong correlation between body mass index and the amount time an

Rem Salem individual spends using their electronic devices such as cellphones and computers. 9,278 Taiwanese adolescents were studied in this research in order to find the results. It is evident that technology has made some positive and negative impacts on our health. Through multiple studies it is proven over and over again that phone addiction has contributed to childhood obesity and numerous other issues. Obesity has tripled in the past three decades . In children between the ages of 6 and 11 the 6.5 percent in the 80s has now turned to 20 percent. Not only does phone addiction stop at obesity. Obesity also can lead to and cause numerous issues its self. These healthful complications include cardiovascular risks and heart attacks . The findings were that there is a very strong correlation between body mass index and electronic usage. The reasoning behind why this occurs is discussed throughout the study. Some examples of why obesity is caused by increased phone usage is because obesity isnt just a hereditary complication. Obesity is caused by the lack of physical activity or exercise. In addition it is caused by the lack of balance between the calories consumed and the calories burnt daily. Since exercise is an important aspect when it comes to reduction of obesity, it must be done in order to reduce it. Being so engaged and addicted to a cellular device and new technology causes physical inactivity in which can essentially lead to obesity and in turn other detrimental effects on an individuals body. Rather than being addicted to techonology and indoors it is recommended in the study to break bad habits and plan more active vacations to reduce risks of healthful consequences. .(martin 2012) Although exercise can moderate the body mass index it is also very important to put into consideration the time put into the use of electronics on a daily bases. In conclusion it is very important to an individuals health to moderate such activities in order to maintain a healthy body mass index and lifestyle. This article would be a good to

Rem Salem use in my paper because it shows that the use of technology has a negative effect on physical health. (Davis 2001) Educational There are many educational consequences that correlate with the addiction to phone usage. Although some believe that the use of technology and phones at home and in a classroom setting has helped the educational system the excsive use of it has deteriorated students. In moderation its shown that techonology has improved overall academic achievements. For example its helped keep students engaged , improved memory and language development. However too much of anything has its downfall Here are my findings on these issues: This research article called The Impact of Mobile Phone Usage on Student Learning Was conducted by researchers, Jeffrey H. Kuznekoff and Scott Titsworth. In contrast to the other studies I looked at this study looked at the negative educational effects that phone usage and addiction has on students in a university. The researchers studied a group of students during lecture. Then they gave those students a test on the material that was taught. A drastic gap was exhibited by those who were on their phones in comparison to those that were taking notes as the teacher taught. .( Judd 2010)This study was very similar to my observations yet backed up my observations by testing the individuals out. After the multiple choice test was given it was seen that the individuals that paid attention in class and took notes rather than texting on their phones had a letter grade or higher on the test and were able to recall more information from the lecture. In conclusion this study states that phone addiction has many negative effects such as the educational example provided.

Rem Salem The observations and interview I conducted earlier this semester could be used as one of the resources for the following research paper. .(martin 2012)The three observations were conducted at the university of North Carolina at Charlotte. I observed three different settings and noted down how phone usage was different in all three settings based on the environment of the place. The three places were in a class room, in the library, and around campus outside buildings. My observations dont quite fit with my thesis and dont really relate to how phone addiction causes negative healthful consequences but by observing these areas I could be able to easier define the level of phone addiction I observed in these locations(Davis 2001). This would be easy to do since the students that werent not following proper phone etiquette in certain areas were very easy to point out

Entering the conversation: regulating phone usage Nomophobia is a term that is used to define those individuals that experience anxiety when they lack access to mobile devices such as smart phones. In other words those individuals can also be described as phone addicts. I wouldnt describe myself as a complete phone addict but I am one of those individuals that find it hard to go a day without my phone. I use it mostly before sleep and during classes. Researchers in Sweden found that using a cell phone right before going to bed can disrupt normal sleep patterns. It seems that the radiation mobile phones can make it difficult to both fall and stay asleep. The radiation can delay and shorten the deep stages of sleep, important since this is when your brain and body repair and rejuvenate, making exposure linked to headaches, difficulty in concentrating, depression, and personality changes.

Rem Salem Government regulation Like any type of addiction, phone addiction should be regulated. There are two types of regulations that should be looked at. Regulations on cellphone usage to decrease addiction can be controlled on a personal and government level. The more obvious type of phone regulation is conducted by the government. The law prohibits phone usage behind the wheel in order to decrease accidents and save lives. However from time to time we still come in contact with distracted drivers. .(martin 2012) Drivers texting and talking on the phone are more focused on his or her cell phone conversation than on the road. This puts everyone on the road at risk. Prevention steps have been taken to reduce phone activity behind the wheel .12 states including new York and New jersey have completely prohibited hand held cellphones while driving. Text messaging has been prohibited in 42 states . Although government is stepping in and attempting to reduce phone usage, its still not enough enforcement. Drivers education classes need to enforce the regulation of these laws. This can be done by simulating how texting and driving can put everyone on the road at risk. In addition punishment needs to be stricter on those who are caught texting. .( Judd 2010)For instance, instead of ticketing those who are driving, the penalty should be stronger. Personal regulation On a personal level phone regulation should be practiced. By this I mean that parents should attempt to cut down the use of technology in their household and encourage more physical activity. In addition parents should not give their children a smart phone before a certain age (high school) to encourage exercise. College students should

Rem Salem also attempt to regulate their phone usage especially during instructional class time. If its a day I know Im not going to be driving or needing my phone for emergencies I leave my phone at home. .(martin 2012)This allows me to focus more on life and learning rather than whats going on in social Medias. These self-regulatory steps will have to be taken on a personal level. But if they are done correctly then they will improve your life. Conclusion If after reading this paper you realized that you are that person in your group of friends that is always on their phone it may be time to consider some changes. Phone usage does provide this generation with great technological advances. However, the excessive use of phones can lead to addiction and dependency. .(martin 2012)Addiction to phones, like anything else, has detrimental effects on health, physical state and education. Regulation of phone usage can help you ease out of this addiction that has taken over many college students today.

Rem Salem

Citations

Problematic mobile phone use in adolescence: a cross-sectional study springerverlag Giovanni Martinotti, Corrado Villella. April 4 2010.(problematic phone use. Giovanni) (Giovanni 2010)

Internet and mobile phone text-messaging dependency: Factor structure and correlation with dysphoric mood among Japanese adults , Domitilla Di Thiene, And Pietro Bria; MAY 20 2003. (Domitilla 2003)

Phone addiction Sevil Sahn, Kevser Ozdemir, Alaattin Unsal, and Nazen Temiz weeklyarticles . November 12 2001. (Sahin 2001)

Nomophobia; phone dependency biology letters . Lawrence judd . April 02 2010.( Judd 2010)

Technology dependent generation Ryota Kanai, Tom Feilden, Colin Firth, and Geraint Rees . published by WCCA January 2 2009. (Kanai 2009)

The Impact of Mobile Phone Usage on Student Learning susan davis MD published by webMD . September 20 2001. (Davis 2001)

addicted to your smartphone? laura j. Martin MD WebMD feature. 28 april 2012.(martin 2012)