Mobile phone overuse

Young people using their smartphones individually at a party.

Mobile phone overuse (or problem mobile phone use) is a dependence syndrome seen among certain mobile phone users. Some mobile phone users exhibit problematic behaviors related to substance use disorders. These behaviors can include preoccupation with mobile communication, excessive money or time spent on mobile phones, use of mobile phones in socially or physically inappropriate situations such as driving an automobile. Increased use can also lead to increased time on mobile communication, adverse effects on relationships, and anxiety if separated from a mobile phone or sufficient signal.

Definition

Overuse is often defined as a nothing to do with it and "dependence syndrome," which is the term used by the World Health Organization (WHO Expert Committee, 1964) to replace addiction or habituation.[1] This is categorized either as substance abuse, such as from psychoactive drugs, alcohol and tobacco under ICD-10, or a behavioral addiction, such as a mobile phone addiction.[2]

Substance use disorders can be defined by 11 factors, according to the DSM-5, including: (1) use in larger quantities or for longer than initially intended, (2) a desire to cut down or control use, (3) spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance, (4) craving, (8) use in situations in which it is physically hazardous, (9) continued use of the substance despite adverse physical or psychological consequences associated with use, and (11) withdrawal symptoms.[3]

Prevalence

Customers using their smartphones at a restaurant in Japan.

Prevalence of mobile phone overuse depends largely on definition and thus the scales used to quantify a subject's behaviors. Two scales are in use, the 20-item self-reported Problematic Use of Mobile Phones (PUMP) scale,[4] and the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS), which have been used both with adult and adolescent populations. There are variations in the age, gender and percentage of the population affected problematically according to the scales and definitions used. The prevalence among British adolescents aged 11–14 was 10%.[5] In India, addiction is stated at 39-44% for this age group.[2] Under different diagnostic criteria, the estimated prevalence ranges from 0 to 38%, with self-attribution of mobile phone addiction exceeding the prevalence estimated in the studies themselves.[6] The prevalence of the related problem of Internet addiction was 4.9-10.7% in Korea, and is now regarded as a serious public health issue.[7]

Behaviors associated with mobile-phone addiction differ between genders.[8] Women are more likely to develop addictive mobile phone behavior than men. Men experience less social stress than women and use their mobile phones less for social purposes. Older people are less likely to develop addictive mobile phone behavior because of different social usage, stress and greater self-regulation.[9]

Effects

Over-use of mobile phones can affect social and psychological well-being and health.[10]

Social

There is an enormous impact of the mobile phone on contemporary society from a social scientific perspective. In the book Perpetual contact: mobile communication, private talk, public performance[11] the author, James Katz, writes: "They [mobile phones] have transformed social practices and changed the way we do business, yet surprisingly we have little perception on their effect in our li[ves]."

Some people are replacing face-to-face conversations with cybernetic ones. Clinical psychologist Lisa Merlo says, "Some patients pretend to talk on the phone or fiddle with apps to avoid eye contact or other interactions at a party."[12] In a survey made by Gazelle, "More than 25% of respondents reported that they 'almost always' use their smartphone while in a social setting such as during a meal or during a party. In addition, 58% said they use it 'usually' or 'occasionally' during these settings."[13] Furthermore,

This change on the conversation style from face-to-face to text based conversation has also been observed by Sherry Turkle. Her work cites connectivity as an important trigger of social behavior change regarding communication;[15] therefore this adaptation of communicating would not be caused only by the cell phone as a device itself.

Other implications of cell phone use in mental health symptoms were observed by Thomée et al. in Sweden. This study found a relationship between report of mental health and perceived stress of participants' accessibility, which is defined as the possibility to be disturbed at any moment of day or night. [16]

Health

There is some evidence supporting the claim that excessive mobile phone use can cause or worsen health problems. Germs are everywhere, and considering the number of times people interact with their cellphone under different circumstances and places, germs are very likely to transfer from one place to another. Research from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine at Queen Mary in 2011 indicated that one in six cell phones is contaminated with fecal matter. Under further inspection, some of the phones with the fecal matter were also harboring lethal bacteria such as E. coli, which can result in fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.[17] According to the article Mobile Phones and Nosocomial Infections, written by researchers at Mansoura University of Egypt, it states that the risk of transmitting the bacteria by the medical staff (who carry their cellphones during their shift) is much higher because cellphones act as reservoir for the bacteria to thrive.[18][19]

Cancer, specifically brain cancer, and its correlation with phone use, is an ongoing investigation. There are many variables that affect the likelihood of hosting cancerous cells which include how long and how frequently people use their phones. There has been no definitive evidence linking cancer and phone use if used moderately, but the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization said in 2011 that radio frequency is a possible human carcinogen, based on heavy usage increasing the risk of developing glioma tumors — a common benign tumor, a rare but deadly form of cancer.[20] Although a relationship has not been fully established, research is continuing based on leads from changing patterns of mobile phone use over time and habits of phone users.[21] Low level radio frequency radiation has also been confirmed as a promoter of tumors.[22] Minor acute immediate effects of radio frequency exposure have long been known such as Tinnitus or Microwave auditory effect which was discovered in 1962.[23]

Studies show that users often associate using a mobile phone with headaches, impaired memory and concentration, fatigue, dizziness and disturbed sleep.[24] These are all symptoms of radiation sickness.[25] There are also concerns that some people may develop electrosensitivity or IEI-EMF from excessive exposure to electromagnetic fields.[26]

Using a cell phone before bed can cause insomnia, according to a study by scientists from the Karolinska Institute and Uppsala University in Sweden and from Wayne State University in Michigan. The study[27] showed that this is due to the radiation received by the user as stated, "The study indicates that during laboratory exposure to 884 MHz wireless signals, components of sleep believed to be important for recovery from daily wear and tear are adversely affected." Additional adverse health effects attributable to smartphone usage include a diminished quantity and quality of sleep due to an inhibited secretion of melatonin.[28]

In 2014, 58% of World Health Organization states advised the general population to reduce radio frequency exposure below heating guidelines. The most common advice is to use hands-free kits (69%), to reduce call time (44%), use text messaging (36%), avoid calling with low signals (24%) or use phones with low specific absorption rate (SAR) (22%).[29] In 2015 Taiwan banned toddlers under the age of two from using mobile phones or any similar electronic devices,[30] and France banned WiFi from toddlers' nurseries.[31][32]

Psychological

There are concerns that some mobile phone users incur considerable debt, and that mobile phones are being used to violate privacy and harass others.[33] In particular, there is increasing evidence that mobile phones are being used as a tool by children to bully other children.[34]

There is a large amount of research on mobile phone use, and its positive and negative influence on the human's psychological mind and social communication. Referring to the possible negative outcomes of mobile phone use, users may encounter stress, sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression, especially in young adults. Consistent phone use can cause a chain reaction, affecting one aspect of a user's life and expanding to contaminate the rest. It usually starts with social disorders, which can lead to depression and stress and ultimately affect lifestyle habits such as sleeping right and eating right.[16]

Tools

German psychotherapist and online addiction expert Bert te Wildt recommends using tools such as Offtime and Menthal to support with the prevention of mobile phone overuse.[35]

See also

References

  1. ↑ WHO. "Management of substance abuse: Dependence Syndrome".
  2. 1 2 Davey S, Davey A (2014). "Assessment of Smartphone Addiction in Indian Adolescents: A Mixed Method Study by Systematic-review and Meta-analysis Approach". J Prev Med. 5 (12): 1500–1511. PMID 25709785.
  3. ↑ American Psychiatric Association (2013). "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders". American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC, USA. 5th edition.
  4. ↑ Merlo LJ, Stone AM, Bibbey A (2013). "Measuring Problematic Mobile Phone Use: Development and Preliminary Psychometric Properties of the PUMP Scale". J Addict. 2013: 912807. doi:10.1155/2013/912807. PMID 24826371.
  5. ↑ Lopez-Fernandez O, Honrubia-Serrano L, Freixa-Blanxart M, Gibson W (2014). "Prevalence of problematic mobile phone use in British adolescents". Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 17 (2): 91–98. doi:10.1089/cyber.2012.0260. PMID 23981147.
  6. ↑ Pedrero Pérez EJ, Rodríguez Monje MT, Ruiz Sánchez De León JM (2012). "Mobile phone abuse or addiction. A review of the literature". Adicciones. 24: 139–152. PMID 22648317.
  7. ↑ Koo HJ, Kwon JH (2014). "Risk and protective factors of internet addiction: a meta-analysis of empirical studies in Korea". Yonsei Med J. 55 (6): 1691–1711. doi:10.3349/ymj.2014.55.6.1691. PMID 25323910.
  8. ↑ Roberts JA, Yaya LH, Manolis C (2014). "The invisible addiction: cell-phone activities and addiction among male and female college students". J Behav Addict. 3 (4): 254–265. doi:10.1556/JBA.3.2014.015. PMID 25595966.
  9. ↑ van Deursen AJAM; Bolle CL; Hegner SM; Kommers PAM (2015). "Modeling habitual and addictive smartphone behaviour: The role of smartphone usage types, emotional intelligence, social stress, self-regulation, age, and gender". Computers in Human Behavior. 45: 411–420. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2014.12.039.
  10. ↑ Effects of Smartphone addiction and how to deal with it website : http://www.gadgetspider.com/deal-with-smartphone-addiction/
  11. ↑ James E. Katz, and M. Akhus, Perceptual contact: Mobile communication, private talk, public performance, Cambridge University Press, 2002.
  12. ↑ Gibson, E. (27 July 2011). Smartphone dependency: a growing obsession with gadgets. Retrieved 27 September 2013 from USA Today website: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/medical/health/medical/mentalhealth/story/2011/07/Smartphone-dependency-a-growing-obsession-to-gadgets/49661286/1
  13. ↑ Belardi, B. (Ed.). (18 June 2012). Consumers Crave iPhone More Than Facebook, Sex. Retrieved 15 October 2013 from PR Newswire website: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumers-crave-iphone-more-than-facebook-sex-according-to-gazelle-159430685.html
  14. ↑ Perlow, Leslie A. (2012). Sleeping with your smartphone : how to break the 24/7 habit and change the way you work. Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business Review Press. ISBN 9781422144046.
  15. ↑ Turkle, Sherry (2011). Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from each Other. Basic Books, Inc., New York, NY, USA. p. 241. ISBN 9780465010219.
  16. 1 2 Thomée, Sara; Härenstam, Annika; Hagberg, Mats (2011). "Mobile phone use and stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression among young adults - a prospective cohort study". BMC Public Health. 11 (1): 66. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-11-66.
  17. ↑ Britt, Darice (June 2013). "Health Risks of Using Mobile Phones". South Carolina University. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  18. ↑ "Mobile phones and nosocomial infections". International Journal of Infection Control. 2012. Retrieved 2015-04-21.
  19. ↑ Badr, Rawia Ibrahim; Badr, Hatem ibrahim; Ali, Nabil Mansour (2012-03-26). "Mobile phones and nosocomial infections". International Journal of Infection Control. 8 (2). doi:10.3396/ijic.v8i2.014.12. ISSN 1996-9783. Retrieved 2015-04-21.
  20. ↑ World Health Organization: International Agency for Research on Cancer (2011). "IARC Classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans" (PDF). Press Release no. 208.
  21. ↑ Sinhna, Kounteya (18 May 2010). "Cell overuse can cause brain cancer". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  22. ↑ Lerchl A, Klose M, Grote K, Wilhelm AF, Spathmann O, Fiedler T, Streckert J, Hansen V, Clemens M (Apr 2015). "Tumor promotion by exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields below exposure limits for humans". Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 459: 585–90. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.02.151. PMID 25749340.
  23. ↑ Frey AH (1962). "Human auditory system response to modulated electromagnetic energy". J Appl Physiol. 17 (4): 689–692. PMID 13895081.
  24. ↑ Al-Khlaiwi T, Meo SA (2004). "Association of mobile phone radiation with fatigue, headache, dizziness, tension and sleep disturbance in Saudi population". Saudi Med J. 25: 732–736. PMID 15195201.
  25. ↑ Khan MM (2008). "Adverse effects of excessive mobile phone use". Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 21: 289–293. doi:10.2478/v10001-008-0028-6. PMID 19228576.
  26. ↑ Carpenter DO (2014). "Excessive Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields May Cause the Development of Electrohypersensitivity". Altern Ther Health Med. 20 (6): 40–42. PMID 25478802.
  27. ↑ Arnetz, Bengt B.; Hillert, Lena; Åkerstedt, Torbjörn; Lowden, Arne; Kuster, Niels; Ebert, Sven; Boutry, Clementine; Moffat, Scott D.; Berg, Mats; Wiholm, Clairy. Effects from 884 MHz mobile phone radiofrequency on brain electrophysiology, sleep, cognition, and well-being, Referierte Publikationen, Chicago, 2008.
  28. ↑ Janssen, D. "Smartphone-induced sleep deprivation and its implications for public health". Europeanpublichealth.com. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  29. ↑ Dhungel A, Zmirou-Navier D, van Deventer E (2015). "Risk management policies and practices regarding radio frequency electromagnetic fields: results from a WHO survey". Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 164 (1-2): 22–27. doi:10.1093/rpd/ncu324. PMID 25394650.
  30. ↑ Sarah Malm (2015). "Does YOUR toddler play on an iPad? Taiwan makes it ILLEGAL for parents to let children under two use electronic gadgets... and under-18s must limit use to 'reasonable' lengths". Daily Mail (28 January 2015).
  31. ↑ Pierre Le Hir (2015). "Une loi pour encadrer l'exposition aux ondes". Le Monde (29 January 2015).
  32. ↑ Powerwatch (2015). "Wifi banned from nurseries in France" (05/02/2015).
  33. ↑ Bianchi, Adriana; Phillips, James G. (2005). "Psychological Predictors of Problem Mobile Phone Use". Cyberpsychology & Behavior. New York: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 8 (1): 39–51. doi:10.1089/cpb.2005.8.39.
  34. ↑ http://www.zdnet.com/article/cyberbullying-increases-in-line-with-mobile-phone-usage-infographic/
  35. ↑ ZDF. "Einfach mal abschalten -Suchtfaktor Smartphone".

Further reading

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