People are not addicted to their mobile phones, shocking study finds

[Nov. 15, 2023: JD Shavit, The Brighter Side of News]

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Granada (UGR) have shattered the common belief that we are "addicted" to our mobile phones. Instead, they argue that our attachment is rooted in the social interaction facilitated by these electronic devices. Published in the esteemed scientific journal Psicothema, this research is the first experimental evidence supporting a theory proposed in 2018 by Professor Samuel P.L. Veissière, a researcher at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

This study involved 86 participants who were divided into two groups. The researchers sought to investigate the role of social interaction in mobile phone use.

Lead author Jorge López Puga, a researcher at the UGR's Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatment, explains the experimental setup: "In one of the groups, known as the social expectation group, we instructed each participant to send a message via WhatsApp to their most active contacts, explaining that they were about to participate in an exciting task in a virtual reality universe. This message was uniform for all participants in this group."

Conversely, the control group received no such instruction to send an "exciting" message to their contacts.

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López Puga continues, "Next, we asked both groups to turn off their notifications and place their mobile phones face down on the table while they engaged in an unconventional activity immersed in a virtual reality environment. Once their interaction with the virtual reality task concluded, we left the participants idle and unable to use their phones. After this period of inactivity, we allowed all participants to return to using WhatsApp."

Throughout the experiment, the researchers measured the electrodermal activity of the participants' skin. This parameter is considered an indicator of the activity of the autonomic nervous system, serving as a physiological measure of anxiety levels. The results were telling.

"We observed that the social expectation group exhibited greater tension throughout the experiment. Moreover, this group experienced heightened anxiety when instructed to stop using their mobile phones. Remarkably, when they were finally permitted to use their phones again, their emotional arousal levels surged significantly," López Puga reports.

These findings suggest that the root of our attachment to mobile phones is not the devices themselves but rather the social interactions they enable. Mobile phones serve as conduits for human connection, and when that connection is severed, individuals experience increased anxiety. The UGR study implies that addressing the way and the purpose for which mobile phones are used can provide valuable insights into understanding and mitigating certain psychological issues.

Professor Samuel P.L. Veissière's theory, which inspired this study, has gained traction in recent years. He argued that mobile phone addiction was a misnomer, proposing instead that it was our craving for social interaction that drove our incessant phone use. While this perspective has been debated within the scientific community, the UGR research provides empirical support for Veissière's hypothesis.

Veissière's theory challenges the notion of addiction traditionally associated with substance abuse. It suggests that the digital age has given rise to new forms of attachment and dependence centered around our need for constant social connection. As smartphones have become ubiquitous, they have also become a primary means through which we maintain and nourish our social relationships.

The implications of the UGR study extend beyond the realm of smartphone usage. It highlights the significance of human connection in the digital age and underscores the psychological impact of abrupt disconnection from our social networks. Modern society's reliance on digital devices for communication, work, and entertainment means that our smartphones have become an integral part of our lives.

Understanding the psychological dynamics at play in our relationship with technology is essential for addressing the potential negative consequences. While mobile phones themselves may not be the cause of psychological problems, this study suggests that our emotional well-being is intricately linked to how we use these devices. It underscores the importance of finding a balanced approach to our digital interactions.

As mobile phones have evolved from simple communication tools into multifunctional devices that offer social media, games, and an array of apps, they have become increasingly central to our daily routines. We rely on them for everything from work and navigation to socializing and entertainment. Our smartphones have become our constant companions, always within arm's reach.

This deep integration of mobile technology into our lives has raised concerns about smartphone dependency. It's not uncommon to see individuals glued to their screens in public spaces, seemingly unable to put their phones down. While the term "addiction" has been used colloquially to describe this behavior, the UGR study challenges this notion by suggesting that it's the social aspect of mobile phone use that drives our behavior.

The digital age has brought about a transformation in how we engage with others. We now have the ability to connect with people across the globe instantly, and our social networks have expanded exponentially. However, this newfound connectivity has also introduced unique challenges.

Our smartphones have become conduits for social interaction, allowing us to maintain relationships, receive validation through likes and comments, and stay updated on the lives of friends and acquaintances. As a result, the act of checking our phones has become synonymous with staying connected to our social worlds.

The UGR study's focus on electrodermal activity and anxiety levels sheds light on the emotional impact of disconnection from our smartphones. When participants in the social expectation group were asked to stop using their phones, their anxiety levels increased. This heightened emotional response suggests that the absence of social interaction, even for a short period, can induce discomfort and distress.

Furthermore, the surge in emotional arousal observed when participants were allowed to use their phones again highlights the relief experienced upon re-establishing that connection. This phenomenon aligns with Professor Veissière's theory, which posits that our attachment to mobile phones is rooted in our fundamental need for social interaction.

The findings of the UGR study prompt us to reflect on the role of technology in our lives and the balance between digital and human interaction. While our smartphones undoubtedly provide valuable tools for communication and productivity, they can also lead to a sense of dependency and distraction if not used mindfully.

Recognizing the importance of human connection and face-to-face interactions remains paramount. Maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline interactions can help mitigate the negative psychological effects of smartphone usage. It's essential to be aware of our dependence on digital devices and take conscious steps to nurture meaningful, in-person relationships.

The University of Granada's groundbreaking study challenges the prevailing notion of mobile phone addiction and underscores the role of social interaction in our attachment to these devices. By exploring the physiological responses of participants during periods of smartphone disconnection and reconnection, the study provides valuable insights into the psychological dynamics at play.

Our smartphones have become indispensable tools for modern life, enabling us to connect with others and access a wealth of information. However, the UGR study reminds us that while these devices are powerful tools, they are not the cause of psychological problems in and of themselves. Instead, it is how and why we use them that can impact our well-being.

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