Cell Phones Causing Reduced Happiness

In an article, “Excess Cell Phone Usage Reduces Happiness” written by Steve Baskin of Psychology Today, the idea of reduced happiness because of cell phones is explored. A Kent State University study shows the relationship between excessive cell phone use and happiness.

SOURCE: https://easyeyesolutions.com

Baskin explains the new idea of a “techno-trapped” teenager, who is someone that is constantly reaching for their phone and may feel uncomfortable without it or with having face to face communication. Parents often note that a techno-trapped teen may be disconnected from the real world and “often talk about “losing” their children to a particular addiction (their word) in the form of phones, computers or games. Often, the parent reports that behavior changes rapidly once the new technology is introduced into the child’s life, be it an interactive first-person-shooter game or a new smartphone.” Therefore, it is evident to assume that excessive technology can lead to reduced happiness.

Furthermore, upon reducing a teens cell phone use, the study has found that teens feel relieved and are more confident. “They become more at ease with peers and adults face-to-face. This increased comfort occurs with both existing friends and newer acquaintances.” It is clear that because of less cell phone use, teens are more connected to the real world and seem to experience more happiness.

I decided, in my own form of research, to test this theory by not using my cell phone for a whole day. It is easy for me to say that everyone can be happy without the newest iPhone or other materialistic objects, however I cannot truly say this with confidence until I have tried to do without it. Of course, I still have many more materials than someone in a poorer community or country, however I still wanted to test this new techno-trapped phenomenon. I would consider myself techno-trapped to some degree, but I have gone a week without my phone at camp every summer. It was certainly different not having my phone when I was at home on a regular Sunday. I did feel kind of disconnected from my friends for a time and I found myself hanging out with my mom more and finishing my homework earlier in the day. Doing my homework, I was tempted to play music or check social media like I normally would. I had my mom take my phone for the day though and I found that I was much more productive. I believe this increased my happiness to some extent because instead of wasting my time and saving my school work for later at night, I was able to finish it and have a full day to enjoy. Overall, I would say for that small amount of time (one day) my happiness increased slightly.

In my next blog I plan to wrap up the topic of happiness and finish answering all my research questions.