Smartphone addiction is directly linked to nomophobia, a new study revealed. 

(Photo: Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images)
This photo illustration, taken on March 22, 2018, shows a woman looking at Social Networking applications Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Whatsapp, Twitter, Messenger, and Linkedin on a smartphone in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Ever since the global COVID-19 pandemic began, many people have turned to their smartphones and other gadgets to prevent the feeling of loneliness.

Although the health crisis drastically improved compared to back in 2020, many users are still reliant on their handsets because they are already addicted to them. 

If you are among these smartphone users, a new study showed the health consequences of phone addiction that you must be aware of. 

[BEWARE] Smartphone Addiction Linked to Nomophobia

According to The US Sun's latest report, a new study published by the Association for Information Systems journal (AIS) showed "chilling" consequences of smartphone addiction. 

(Photo: Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
A guest takes pictures of the new Google Pixel 3 smartphone during a Google product release event on October 9, 2018, in New York City. The phones will go on sale on October 18 for a base starting retail price of $799 for the Pixel 3 and $899 for the Pixel 3 XL. Google also released a new tablet called the Pixel Slate and the Google Home Hub.

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One of these is its direct correlation with nomophobia, a psychological condition when people feel fear whenever they don't have mobile phone connectivity or don't have their smartphones with them. 

Aside from nomophobia, the new study also claims that phone addiction comes from dopamine response, leading to people becoming addicted to apps and their smartphones. 

Involved researchers said that once smartphone addiction worsens, the health of users could be greatly affected, leading to sleep deprivation and other severe consequences. 

"It becomes a vicious cycle where the more we are plugged in, the more we need these apps to provide ever-novel content to keep us hooked to the dopamine they provide," explained Dr. Eric Lim, one of the study's co-authors.  

Overcoming Phone Addiction

Numerous methods can help people who have smartphone addictions. Aside from visiting your psychiatrist or trying other addiction therapies, various applications that can help improve users' smartphone habits are also available. 

Business Insider reported that the One Sec app also effectively overcame phone addiction. 

It works by forcing users to take a deep breath before they open their social media apps, removing instant gratification. 

You can click this link to learn more about this application. 

In other stories, a study claimed that black men are more vulnerable to prostate cancer. Previously, another study revealed that TikTok FYP automatically shows self-harm videos. 

For more news updates about healthy living and wellness, keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.  

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