People can become very attached to their mobile phones and some may even show signs of addictive behavior, a British researcher said on Thursday.
In a study that analyzed how students feel about their phones, David Sheffield, of the University of Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent, found that some of their reactions were similar to symptoms associated with pathological gambling.
“Mobile phones have become a very significant part of everyday life and their use can have some detrimental effects,” he said.
Nearly 40 percent of 106 students who answered questionnaires about their attitudes said they couldn’t cope without their cell phone. Ninety percent of the 18-25 year olds admitted they took them everywhere.
But more worryingly 35 percent said they used the devices to escape their problems, 32 percent had made repeated attempts to cut down and 14 percent said they were willing to lie about how much they used them.
Seven percent blamed their phone for the loss of a significant relationship or job.
“This is probably the most surprising result,” Sheffield said.
In another study in which students were asked the stop using their phones for three days, the volunteers reported fewer hassles and minor stressful events after quitting.
Sheffield also noticed a change in the students’ heart rates and blood pressure after they stopped using the phones.
“Their responses (heart rate and blood pressure) while talking about phones was not as large after not using them,” he added.
