Cellphones are increasingly seen as addictive, particularly among young users. Psychologists have reported a rise in complex issues related to digital life among minors, which has sparked attention from major tech companies. This concern is underscored by recent court testimonies from Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta—parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—who is currently facing lawsuits in the U.S. aimed at determining the addictive nature of these social platforms.
Research has emerged supporting the view that excessive screen time can adversely affect teenagers' mental health. An editorial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlights alarming statistics: 48% of teenagers struggle to manage their phone usage, 25% turn to social media to escape their problems, and 11% report a decrease in academic performance due to screen time. Additionally, 17% of teens have attempted to cut back on social media but failed to do so. The study emphasizes that behavioral patterns surrounding addiction have a more significant impact on mental health than the total number of hours spent on screens.
Aurora Gómez, a clinical psychologist specializing in digital behavior, observes, “I've treated children who arrive at school on Mondays feeling exhausted, even though they haven't left their homes. They are glued to their phones all weekend.” She elaborates that those addicted to screens often experience a loss of interest in activities that once mattered, such as academics or sports.
Understanding the Development of Addiction
José Antonio Molina, a professor at Complutense University of Madrid, explains that the progression of addiction varies by individual. “Younger children exhibit a higher susceptibility to addiction due to their still-developing self-control and impulse regulation,” he notes. Molina raises concerns about whether it's appropriate for children aged 10 or younger to have smartphones.
MarĂa Ferreira, a psychologist specialized in addiction, adds that the effects of addiction differ between children and adults. “Younger children lack fully developed brain structures, which leads to increased impulsivity and a need for immediate gratification.” Ferreira points out that for adolescents, cellphones become vital tools for social connection, and a lack of availability can lead to feelings of exclusion.
Factors like parental cellphone use, peer behavior, and individual personality traits contribute to the vulnerability of young people to addiction, according to Molina.
The Technology Behind the Addiction
The discourse on social media's impact on mental health gained momentum after former Facebook employee Frances Haugen leaked documents in 2021, revealing Instagram's awareness of the harmful content it exposed young users to. These revelations have led to multiple class-action lawsuits against Zuckerberg.
The discussion surrounding digital addiction has evolved, with many psychologists acknowledging that non-substance behaviors can be addictive. While the World Health Organization does not have a specific category for digital addictions, the nature of cellphones—serving as gateways to multiple environments—makes them especially compelling.
Gómez describes her young patients as having grown up in a world dominated by cellphones. “For previous generations, digital and real life were two separate spheres. Now, everything revolves around these devices,” she states. She often recommends separating device functions to help young users recognize their differences.
While screen exposure can be educational and beneficial, Gómez cautions against compulsive usage behaviors. Some young clients have experienced a deterioration in social skills due to their reliance on social media. “How can I interact in person when I can't mute or block someone?” one patient asked her.
The process of helping someone recover from a digital addiction can be challenging since screens are integral to daily life. Unlike substance-related addictions, which may require a clean break from social circles, digital dependencies are harder to escape due to their omnipresence.
Gómez likens children to frogs in a pond. They possess great adaptability but are also profoundly vulnerable to environmental changes. “The psychological suffering children face today should remind us to prioritize their mental well-being while acknowledging our collective presence in this digital ecosystem,” she remarks.
