Mobile phones are increasingly linked to addiction among young people, according to psychologists who report a surge in complex cases stemming from digital overexposure. This concern is echoed by some of the world's largest tech platforms, which are currently facing a series of lawsuits in the United States for allegedly designing products that ensnare users. A notable example is Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, who recently appeared in court to address claims regarding the addictive nature of his social networks, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Growing scientific consensus highlights the health risks associated with excessive screen time among youth. The Journal of the American Medical Association published an editorial last summer indicating that addictive patterns of screen use are detrimental to mental health. Key findings reveal that 48% of adolescents struggle to control their mobile phone usage, while 25% turn to their devices to escape problems. Furthermore, 11% acknowledge negative impacts on their academic performance, and 17% have attempted to reduce their use unsuccessfully. The research emphasizes that it's the nature of addiction, rather than the total amount of screen time, that correlates with poorer mental health outcomes.
Health psychologist Aurora GĂłmez notes troubling trends among young patients: “I have treated children who return to school exhausted after spending entire weekends glued to their devices without stepping outside.” She explains that addictive behaviors lead to diminished interest in activities that once mattered, such as academics or sports. Several key indicators of addiction include the amount of time spent online, withdrawal symptoms like irritability or anxiety, and the impact of digital habits on daily life.
Understanding the Development of Addiction
According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), 19% of 10-year-olds own a mobile phone. But how and when does addiction develop? Dr. José Antonio Molina from Complutense University points out that addictive potential is heightened in younger children, who lack the neurological development needed for self-control and consequence processing. This raises questions about the appropriateness of allowing children under ten to own smartphones.
The effects of mobile phone addiction differ significantly between adults and younger users, as children's brain structures remain underdeveloped. Psychologist MarĂa Ferreira elaborates: “Children have not yet fully developed the prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and planning. This incomplete development leads to impulsivity and a constant need for instant gratification.” For adolescents, cell phones serve as vital tools for social integration, raising fears of exclusion if they are not constantly connected.
Three primary factors contribute to a young person's vulnerability to addiction: parental screen habits, peer behaviors, and individual personality traits such as impulsivity.
Platforms Designed to Hook Users
The impact of digital platforms on mental health was largely overlooked until former Facebook employee Frances Haugen revealed documents to the The Wall Street Journal. These documents indicated that Instagram executives were aware of the platform's harmful effects on young users, leading to a series of lawsuits against Zuckerberg.
The discourse surrounding the nature of addiction has evolved over the years. Many professionals now classify digital addiction as behavioral addiction, despite the absence of a specific category in the World Health Organization's diagnostic manuals. Mobile phones offer access to diverse experiences, from social networks to online gambling and explicit content, each of which can pose a unique risk of addiction.
GĂłmez frequently sees young patients whose lives revolve around their smartphones. “For previous generations, the digital space was separate from daily life. Today, it's all interconnected,” she explains. She often recommends detoxification strategies such as designating devices for specific functions, like using a phone solely for calls, or providing separate devices for music and gaming. While screen time can be productive—like programming or music composition—problematic behaviors often arise from usage patterns.
In some instances, GĂłmez has encountered young people displaying diminished social skills due to excessive engagement with social media. One patient expressed, “How can I go outside if I can't mute someone who bothers me or block someone I dislike?”
Reversing the effects of digital addiction presents unique challenges. Unlike traditional substance addiction where removing a user from their social environment can be effective, cutting ties from the pervasive screens of modern life is more complex. Gómez likens minors to frogs in a pond—sensitive to changes in their environment. “The psychological distress faced by today's youth is alarming, and we must prioritize their well-being within our shared digital ecosystem,” she concludes.
