Researchers from Swinburne University have called for smartphone addiction to be recognised as a clinical condition to help address the mental health crisis.
New research led by Swinburne’s Mr Saqib Nawaz, published in Computers in Human Behaviour Reports, has highlighted that problematic smartphone use and dependence (PSUD) could easily become a severe addiction leading to other, associated behaviours.
Logging excessive screen time, neglecting offline activities, and feeling uneasy when not able to check notifications are all signs of phone dependency, and the study explored the critical distinction between smartphone dependence and other technological dependencies.
Additionally, it clarified the difference between habitual and discretionary smartphone use and Mr Nawaz highlighted that increased reliance on smartphones had brought about both positive and negative outcomes.
“On one hand, it has facilitated better management of professional, familial, and social obligations. Conversely, it has led to adverse aspects, including inappropriate usage, excessive engagement, and ineffective use,” he said.
Over the last decade, from 2013 to 2023, there has been an extraordinary surge in technology adoption among users. The data reveals substantial growth across various technological platforms. Internet users have surged from 35.7% to 64.6%, demonstrating a significant increase in online connectivity.
“Video game users have increased rapidly from 16.6% to 83.6%, indicating widespread engagement with digital gaming. Social media has seen a similar trend, with users jumping from 23.9% to 62.0%, reflecting the expanding influence of online social interactions,” Mr Nawaz explained.
“However, one of the most extraordinary transformations has been observed in smartphone usage, which has surged from 34.3% to 86.0%. This exponential increase emphasises smartphones’ integral role in daily life, facilitating various activities and interactions.”
And with this increasing reliance on technology, PSUD concerns have also increased.
“Behavioural dependence, a non-substance-related addiction, can manifest in passive activities such as excessive TV watching, internet browsing, and computer game playing, and these activities often involve motivating and reinforcing factors that contribute to developing habit-forming tendencies,” Mr Nawaz said.
“PSUD can result in minor disruptions when away from them to thoughts of loneliness, excessive anxiety, and depression, and although PSUD is not currently classified as a mental disorder in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), its symptoms closely resemble to those of other non-substance and behavioural disorders, such as internet gaming disorder and compulsive gambling.”
Mr Nawaz pointed out that when he tried to have a meaningful conversation with his friends, but they were too busy on their phones, he shrugged it off as the new normal. It wasn’t until he started missing his train stop due to being glued to his phone, he realised just the extent of the problem.
“Being unable to enjoy a meal without watching a video, using my phone in situations like in the toilet or shower and prioritising phone use over other activities like sports made me realise that I am highly dependent on my smartphone,” he said.
“And people’s unwillingness to openly discuss their usage problems only highlights the issue.”
His research revealed that problematic phone use and dependence could easily form a severe and clinical addiction and stressed the need for educational programs in schools and workplaces, stronger regulations that protect user data, mental health support program investments and research into what is an increasingly new and alarming issue.
“Additionally, using technology to escape real-life problems and social isolation has been linked to digital dependency. For example, individuals who struggle with social anxiety or depression may use the internet and social media to avoid face-to-face interactions with others,” Mr Nawaz said.
“Moreover, factors such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem have contributed to the development of digital dependency. In addition, the social aspect of technology use may play a role, as those who feel socially isolated or disconnected may use the internet and smartphones to connect with others.
“Other causes, such as boredom, impulsivity, and sensation-seeking, have also been linked to digital dependency. These mental health issues can lead individuals to use technology as a coping mechanism, further intensifying their dependency on the internet and smartphones.”
Similarly, the excessive use of technology can lead to physical health problems, such as sleep deprivation, and obesity.
Mr Nawaz said it was essential for individuals to use phones mindfully and strike a balance between the benefits and potential drawbacks.
“These findings highlight the potential negative consequences of excessive internet and smartphone use and underscore the need for awareness and intervention efforts to help individuals struggling with these issues,” he said.
“Improving smartphone reliance, both at the individual and societal levels requires a balanced and thoughtful approach to ensure that phones enhance our lives without causing negative consequences.”
Mr Nawaz suggested using tactics such as:
- Setting screen time limits
- Creating opportunities to spend time with loved one’s face-to-face
- Going on a digital detox, or scheduling tech-free mornings/evenings