With almost six billion cell phone subscriptions in the world today, the vast majority of people use a cell phone in some capacity. Almost 90 percent of the world uses a cell phone on a regular basis. With so many phones out there, it’s no wonder that many people are starting to show signs of cell phone addiction. Are you addicted to your cell phone? Here are a few things to consider about cell phone addiction and what can be done about it.
Increasing Cell Phone Usage
Many people have started using their cell phones for practically everything. They give you access to so many different features and applications that you can stay entertained for hours with your phone. In fact, 42% of people say that they use their cell phones for entertainment purposes on a daily basis. Many people use their cell phone for multiple hours over the course of a given day. People are sending text messages, checking email, watching videos, playing games, reading books, surfing the Web and doing many other things with their phones.
Why the Increase
The usage of cell phones has increased substantially in recent years mainly because of the vast increase in functionality of the average cell phone. While there are obviously still many regular cell phones out there, most people are making the switch to a smartphone. This is a type of phone that combines computer functionality so that you can do almost anything on your phone. Instead of having to get on the computer, a cell phone user can simply do what he needs to do from his phone. This helps save time and is a lot more convenient overall. Since the phone does a lot more than it used to, people are using them more often.
Usage Considerations
While people in both sexes are likely to use cell phones to engage in many different tasks, women are more likely to spend time using a smartphone. Trends from 2011 showed that there are more women adopting smartphone technology than there are men. They are more likely to spend time using a cell phone and are more likely to become addicted to the phone. Women primarily use their phones for sending text messages, social networking, and game playing, sending photos and videos and shopping. By comparison, men use their phones to stream content more and make reservations more often. Both groups use their phones quite often and for various activities. However, they are more likely to use their phones for these activities based on their gender.
What Can or Should Be Done?
Do you spend too much time on your cell phone? Are you using it at the dinner table or while you’re hanging out with your friends and family members? If you believe that you are using your cell phone too much, there are some steps that you can take to minimize your usage. There are actually some apps that you can get to help block your usage of your cell phone during certain times.You could even just take the simple step of leaving your cell phone in the other room during dinner or during quality time with a friend or family member. As technology continues to improve, there will be more and more to take up your valuable time. It’s up to you whether you want the options to pull you in many directions or if you want to simplify your life.
Brynn Jones is a Brand Manager for Step Forward Marketing. Some of her key small business clients include CellPhoneShop.net and Laptop Trader Express. When not at work, Brynn follows the Carolina Hurricanes, cheers for her Tarheels, and travels to the Carolina Coast.
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