Do you have pain in your wrists, fingers, or neck that is new or worsens when you’re on your phone?

These little pains could be signs that you’re stressing your body by staying in one position too long.

Do you find it difficult to have a conversation with people without checking your phone? Could you spend an entire meal talking and eating without thinking about or looking at your phone?

If not, your technology might be taking up a lot of your headspace and attention.

Have you used your phone at times that might be dangerous to do so, such as while driving or while walking across a street?

Sacrificing safety to check your phone signals that your judgment might be compromised by the urgency of notifications.

Do you feel irritable, sad, or restless when you’re not able to check your phone?

If so, that might indicate that you feel like you can’t fully function without it.

Have you made repeated attempts to cut back on screentime and been unsuccessful?

If that sounds like you, please know that a lot of people struggle with cutting back and help is available.

Am I "Addicted" to My Smartphone?

Sarah Brown, M.A
May 20
2 min read

Person sitting on couch looking at charging smartphone

Everybody seems to be talking about screentime! Most of us know that too much time on a smartphone isn’t helpful, but how do you know how much is too much for you and when it might be time to reach out for help? If you’re wondering about your own screentime, below are some questions to consider:

Do you have pain in your wrists, fingers, or neck that is new or worsens when you’re on your phone? These little pains could be signs that you’re stressing your body by staying in one position too long.
Do you find it difficult to have a conversation with people without checking your phone? Could you spend an entire meal talking and eating without thinking about or looking at your phone? If not, your technology might be taking up a lot of your headspace and attention.
Have you used your phone at times that might be dangerous to do so, such as while driving or while walking across a street? Sacrificing safety to check your phone signals that your judgment might be compromised by the urgency of notifications.
Do you feel irritable, sad, or restless when you’re not able to check your phone? If so, that might indicate that you feel like you can’t fully function without it.
Have you made repeated attempts to cut back on screentime and been unsuccessful? If that sounds like you, please know that a lot of people struggle with cutting back and help is available.

While smartphone addiction isn’t officially recognized by the DSM-V TR, excessive smartphone use may contribute to or worsen symptoms related to social anxiety, generalized anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

If you want reduce problematic and excessive behaviors, schedule your free 20-minute consultation with a clinician by completing the Contact Us form.