Mobile Dependency: What It Is and Its Impact

If you, like 85% of Americans, own a smartphone, there’s a good chance you keep it nearby at all times. 

Now imagine for a second that your phone disappears. You can’t find it anywhere, even with the help of a desktop phone finding app. 

Hours go by, and still no phone. How are you feeling?

If you’re feeling anxious, you’re not alone.

This anxious or fearful feeling is sometimes called nomophobia (think “no mobile phone phobia”). The term was coined in a 2008 YouGov study, which found that 53% of mobile phone users experienced fear and anxiety without their devices.

Then, in 2012, another study found that 66% of mobile phone users experience nomophobia, suggesting the problem has gotten worse.

In 2020, we surveyed 1,000 smartphone owners about what people would sacrifice to keep their smartphone, and we were shocked to learn that 44% of respondents would rather serve five days of jury duty than be separated from their phones for five days. 

What is Mobile Dependency? 

Mobile dependency, also known as smartphone addiction or compulsive smartphone use in some studies, occurs when someone compulsively uses their cell phone despite problems stemming from that use. 

You could argue that everyone, to an extent, is dependent on their phones in some way because of how hyper-connected everything is. Smartphones can be used for everything from banking and sending emails to taking photos and watching movies. 

But at what point does it become a problem?

Mobile dependency symptoms could include:

• Increased phone use
• Neglecting responsibilities, like work or school
• Neck, shoulder, back, and/or wrist pain or numbness
• Anger, irritation, and/or anxiety when phone use is interrupted
• Isolation from loved ones in the real world

Essentially, you could have cell phone addiction if your phone use interferes with your quality of life.

How Common is Mobile Dependency?

Mobile dependency can affect anyone, regardless of age or other demographic information, but it seems to affect young people the most. 

A 2021 study found that while 38.9% of 18 to 30-year-old participants showed signs of smartphone addiction, the rate climbed to 42.2% for those under 21. 

When researchers ask people if they feel addicted to their phones, the rates can go even higher. Reviews.org’s 2021 cell phone addiction study found that 47% of respondents believe they’re addicted to their phones. 

What Smartphone Addiction Treatments Are Available?

If you suspect you or a loved one has an addiction to their smartphone, there are several treatment options you can discuss with your healthcare provider:

• Individual therapy (like cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing)
• Group therapy/support groups
• Medications

Don’t have a healthcare provider yet? You can search for a therapist near you on Psychology Today. 

Used in moderation, a smartphone can help you feel more connected to people and informed about the world. But if you feel like your usage may be out of control, don’t be afraid to take the first step toward recovery.