When class ends as everyone reaches for their bags to leave, they also grab their cell phones to check any messages they might have missed or to update their Facebook and Twitter statuses. It’s almost impossible to walk across campus without seeing someone, phone in hand and eyes glued to the screen, while they try to scroll while strolling across the street. It’s an epidemic that is plaguing our generation. But could it really be an addiction?
Senior criminology and criminal justice major Amber Bowen couldn’t see herself being able to last without her phone for 24 hours. “I use my phone for emails, talking to my family, and talking to my boyfriend,” Bowen said. “I don’t think I could go a day without my phone at least while at school.”
It’s a feeling that is shared by many people. According to the Gettysburg Times, students in Spain are letting their cell phones take over their lives. Fifteen percent of young Spanish phone users sleep with their phones next to them in case they need to answer messages overnight. In addition, their cell phone bills average around $1,000, causing some people to turn to crime to pay off their debt.
Although cell phone dependency is reaching new heights, experts have still not been able to diagnose cell phone addiction as legitimate. However, according to Forbes Magazine cell phone addiction is on the path to being classified under the same category as gambling, drug addiction, and alcoholism.
Still, it can be hard to see how something that seems so innocent could amount to such a huge problem. It has become integrated into people’s every day routines.
“People check their phones instinctually pretty much whenever they change location,” said junior English and French double major Lauren Daly. “When I leave class I check my phone and when I go back to my room I check my phone. It’s like I need it.”
As cell phones become more advanced, such as the Blackberry and iPhone, more features are being added to whisk students off into the cellular world. Games, social networking apps, and texting give people countless reasons to feel the need to whip out their cell phones. Sometimes even in the middle of conversation.
“If you’re in the middle of a conversation it’s definitely rude to start texting,” Daly said. “You aren’t looking at the person. Despite the bad social etiquette it might bring it is a hard habit to break. I’ve done it a few times myself.”
Others see cell phones as being the only way to stay connected to those around you even if you are already connecting with someone face to face. “It can be rude to text while talking expect when its an important text,” Bowen said.
The cell phone age is far from over and will continue to grow as technology does. It could have possible risks even if the most harmless one is failing to take notice of the world around us because we’re too busy scrolling down our miniature screens.