25 Signs That You Are Completely Addicted To Your Phone
Almost 52% of the mobile phone users will show all of these 25 signs of serious phone addiction. What about you?
There is no doubt that life without phones would be difficult.
We need them for daily purposes including socializing, making and receiving important calls, staying in touch, and the like.
However, some people know and understand that excessive usage of phones is not good for health.
In fact, it could lead to numerous health and social disorders including brain cancer.
Nonetheless, it is easy for people to get addicted to their phones, especially because smart phones these days have so much to offer.
Here are 25 signs that show that you might be addicted to your phone:
Contents
1. You have your phone in your hand 24/7
Chances are that if you are completely addicted to your phone, you will always keep your phone in your hand or somewhere close to you.
People who are addicted will always, or in most of the instances, be seen with their phones, either chatting away, being on call, or using some random app or the other.
It is difficult for such people to part with their phones for a long time for they can have a panic attack even if they feel for a second that they have lost their phone.
2. Not a day goes by that you are without your phone
People who are addicted to their phones will not be able to live without it even for a day.
If, by mistake, they ever leave their phones at home and realize midway that they did, then they will make it a point to go back home and fetch it.
These people need to have their phones with them constantly, without which they feel incomplete.
3. Your phone battery does not even last a day
You will know that you are addicted if you always find yourself charging your phone multiple times in a day.
While smart phones are heavily equipped with a lot of apps and other entertainment sources, they consume a lot of battery, especially if used continuously. Data transfers used by most entertainment and social apps tend to drain the battery extremely fast.
4. When you are running out of battery, you run for your charger
Do you find yourself running after your charger instantly as soon as you get that low battery notification every time?
If so, then you might be addicted to your phone.
Some people are so obsessed with their phones that they will use it constantly until their battery is running out and then immediately run for the charger to charge it before their phone dies on them.
In some of the cases, they will sit right next to where their phone is charging so that they can use it as it charges.
5. You worry about losing your cell phone
Cell phone addicts are constantly worried about losing their phones, and they will most likely have a panic attack if they lose their phones even for as little as one second.
Being constantly worried about losing your phone is certainly not a healthy behavior, and hence indicates clear signs of addiction.
6. You take your phone to the bathroom
If you are addicted to your phone, then chances are that you would take it everywhere with you, even to the bathroom.
If a person starts taking his/her phone to the bathroom, then he/she will normally take longer than usual to come out, since he/she will become all too consumed with the phone inside.
Social settings and occasions are meant to be enjoyed, and the purpose of these settings is to talk to the people all around you instead of being on your phone.
However, most of the times, the people at social gatherings are glued to their phones.
If you are on your phone more often at these social gatherings, then chances are that you are addicted to your phone.
8. You check your phone constantly, in most cases without any reason
People who are addicted to their phones will check them constantly without any reason.
They just feel the need to be on their phones, even though they are not expecting an important message or phone call.
In some cases, people even feel phantom vibrations of their phones.
9. The first thing you do after getting up in the morning, and the last thing you do before going to sleep at night, is check your phone
Do you find yourself checking your phone as soon as you wake up in the morning and as soon as you are about to fall asleep at night?
If so, then you might just be heavily addicted to your phone.
Keeping your phone close to or right next to you while you sleep can cause serious disruptions to your sleeping patterns.
Therefore, this behavior is not healthy.
10. Even while getting ready to sleep you feel the need to check your phone
Addicted people want to check their phones all the time, even while they are preparing to go to sleep.
They will then be in their beds and using their phones until they fall asleep, either going through random apps or talking to someone.
11. Vacation time is more like an extended phone time for you
Most people would spoil their whole vacation by being on their phones instead of spending quality time there and enjoying the different place that they are at.
There is no point of a vacation if you remain on your phone constantly there as well.
You might as well then just stay at your home and use your phone there, at least that would save you from wasting any money.
12. You obsessively check for emails, texts, and missed calls
People who are addicted to their phones will become obsessive about missed calls, texts, and emails.
They will check their phones even while engrossed in other work or during important meetings.
13. You start feeling your phone vibrate just to find out later that it was a false alarm
Such false alarms are known as phantom vibrations where a person might assume their phone to have vibrated just to find out later that it was a false alarm.
People start experiencing phantom vibrations particularly when they have become obsessively addicted to their phones.
14. You carry it in your hand instead of your bag or pocket
If you are addicted to your phone, then chances are that you will be carrying it in your hand instead of your pocket or bag in most of the cases.
Keeping your phone in your hand constantly can also lead to addiction, since then you have better access to it and you will be turning the screen on and off without any reason.
15. You turn to your phone whenever things get awkward
Do you find yourself relying on your phone a little too often whenever things get awkward?
If your answer is yes, then you are probably addicted to your phone.
Sure, the phone can be your savior every once in a while, but if you find yourself relying on it a little too often, then you might just have a problem.
16. You HAVE to reply to messages even while you are getting a massage and trying to de-stress
Most people would be using their phone even when they are at a spa and trying to de-stress and melt away their worries for the day.
People get a massage for relaxation purposes, and phones are one of the primary stress causing machines.
Therefore, in order to unwind properly, it is essential that the phones are kept as far away as possible during the process.
17. You are currently reading this article on your phone
If you are a phone addict, then chances are that that you are reading this article on your phone.
Most people who are phone addicts would browse the web and do all their online related tasks on their phones instead of using their laptops or desktops.
18. Dressing up for an important occasion can wait, but your phone can’t
Phone addicts would normally be on their phones until the last minute, even if they have to dress up for an important occasion.
Their phones are extremely important to them and they would be on it all the time.
Once they are completely satisfied with the amount of time they have spent on their phones, only then will they get off their couch or bed to get ready for their special occasion.
19. You’re on your phone even while watching TV or eating food
Phone addicts will most likely be on their phones while they are watching TV or eating food.
This also means that they will be more focused on their phones as opposed to being focused on the aspect at hand, i.e. food or TV.
For them, consuming food or watching TV is a secondary activity to using their phones.
20. You procrastinate on important work with your phone
If you are a phone addict, then you would probably procrastinate on all your important work with your phone.
Smart phones can be very addictive, and people would normally be on them no matter how important their other tasks would be.
Even while performing other tasks, phone addicts would need to use their phones in the middle of their work.
21. You have a panic attack if you leave your phone at home
Being a phone addict means that you have to have your phone with you at all times.
When addicts leave their phones at home by mistake, they might have a panic attack the moment they realize it.
In most of the cases, addicts will make sure that they have their phone with them before they leave their home.
22. You do not mind responding to messages or checking your phone while on a date
Dates are meant to be occasions where you give your undivided attention to the person you are with.
However, with phone addicts, the situation might be a little different.
They will keep checking their phones and responding to messages even while they are out on a date.
Such behavior definitely seems rude to the other person, especially if they want to talk to you and get to know you better.
23. For you, your phone is one of the most important experiences that you treasure
If you are a phone addict, then you would most likely crave being on the phone a little too much.
Your phone will thus be one of the most important experiences for you, and you will most likely treasure those experiences.
It is also likely that you will treasure these experiences more than the actual events that are happening around you.
24. You get lost in your phone without realizing how much time you have wasted
Phone addicts would most likely get lost in their phones all the time without even realizing that they have wasting so much time on it.
Once they are on it, it is hard for them to get off it, and in some cases, they might even have to force themselves to get off it.
25. You will be caught using your phone during exams or an important meeting
If you are a phone addict, then chances are that you will be caught using your phone while you are sitting through an exam or attending an important meeting.
Exams and meetings are not places where phones should be used as you could get into a lot of trouble for it.
However, addicts just cannot seem to help themselves and they will use it whenever they get their hands on it.
Phone addicts usually show most, if not all, of these 25 signs that are stated above.
While phone addiction is very much real, very few people are actually aware about their addiction.
This essentially means that they will keep about their addiction unknowingly, and thus would not do anything to reduce its effects.
It is not that difficult to get rid of your phone addiction, provided that you take the necessary steps and seek help, either professionally or from the people around you.
55 Comments Add one
Is there a certain scoring system for these signs.
I have 11/25 though I thought at least have of them are normal these days with smartphone users as I observe in my friends and colleagues.
Note: most of them I’ve experienced since I bought my new real ‘hot’ smartphone! In my previous less ‘smart’ phone maybe I had only 3-5 signs. :)
I think this is the whole problem with phone addiction. We accept addicts’ behavior as if it was normal. Here is an example to illustrate my ideas: Let’s say all your friends are drug addicts, and you also take drug every day. Does it make your addiction any less serious?
Regarding a scoring system, I am not sure we really need one. If you feel like the way you’re using your phone is having some kind of (negative) impact on your life, you probably have a phone addiction to some degree.
It’s also easier to understand phone addicts’ behavior when you watch other people. If you see them act a certain way with their phone and you think they are addicted, take a step back to ask yourself if you act the same way from time to time.
Oh my gosh! I just went through the list, and almost all of these signs are true for me.
I should probably start looking for a solution to cure my addiction…
same here hun the struggle is real
Hello Sarah, at least you’re conscious of the issue. A quick Google search will lead you to plenty of resources to move in the right direction.
#24 happens to me all the time!
I grab my phone to check if I received some text messages, and next thing I know I’m looking at my friend’s friend pictures from 5 years ago :'(
Hey Liz, this happens to most of us. Mobile apps are designed with the help of armies of psychologists and behavior specialists to lead us down this rabbit hole.
I can’t remember when was the last time I had a meal without checking my phone… #19 is right on spot!
Did you try leaving your phone in a different room while you’re eating? It has a surprising effect because it means you’re entirely “there” while having your meal.
Im trying to let go of my phone lol
same here lol
Josephine, how is it going so far for you?
Most of those are just not legit. Ofc you will be worried if you loose your phone (duh)
And most people nowadays dont “run for the charger” – they bring portable psu to charge their phone MOSTLY because when ppl try to reach them by phone will always think something have gone wrong :)
It looks like you’re projecting your own experience on other people. It’s not because you behave in a certain way that everybody else behaves in a similar manner for the same reason.
Also, arguing that “running for the charger” is irrelevant because people have power banks is a moot point. It’s the same outcome.
Wanting to keep your phone on at all times means that you’re not living on your own terms. You’re a slave to this technology.
Is your phone (1) a way for you to reach other people when you want to, or is it (2) a way for other people to reach you at all times, even if it takes you away from what you’re currently doing?
25/25! i am a phone addict!
Jim, at least you’re aware of the issue and you can take the next step!
O Know i am a very phone addicted :(
Iqra, are you going to do anything to fix this situation?
Im panic when my phone leave at home that i forgot to carry my phone.so i fear to lost my phone because my family contacts there.when they have emergency or important thing so i use phone to calls and text them IM immediately to talk to them and my parents and siblings is far away to my home because of their work.
You do realize that for thousands of years we survived just well without being constantly reachable? It seems like fear is controlling your behavior. Would it really hurt so much if you checked your messages only once you’re home? Wouldn’t it mean you’re more focused on what you’re currently doing?
26. You don’t care about spending on your phone.,. I spend a lot of mOney in buying Phone accessories and New phones..and I don’t care about the money..I just need the Phone.
Usman, do you really NEED it, or do you simply WANT it? It’s a big difference…
I have an android tablet phone and mainly use it for you tube and the net.I’m over age 50 and don’t do much calling and never text or do Facebook.If I left my phone at home I’d not miss it.
Delores, congratulations!
It seems like you have a very healthy relationship with technology, and you control when to use it instead of letting it decide for you.
Ahhh! I got 20/25! This is really bad… Its true, I guess. Also it is 11:13 pm and I am typing this on my phone. -_-
What will you do about it?
I think it a reality dt these 25 comments are commonly seen among todayz people…..even I am also addicted…..
Helois, are you going to do anything about it?
I have met a guy like that. And i am trying to understand him. I have told him since our first date.
He said he will prove it. Until now.. We are gf-bf for a week.
I am getting tired of this kind of thing. And i have told him again. I dont know. How is it going to be..
Disapointed, :(
Next time he’s on his phone when he’s with you, let him look up from the phone to see that you’re gone. You are obviously not very important to him. When someone is constantly on their phone when you’re there, you feel alone, so you might as well just be alone. Find someone who makes you a priority and who values eye-to-eye conversations.
You might want to share this article with him so he can do a quick assessment of the situation by himself…
My best friend is ADDICTED to her phone. All of these signs fit her perfectly but how do I tell her that she is addicted to her phone without hurting her feelings?
Hello KitKat, why don’t you tell your friend something along the lines of “hey I found this quiz about phone addiction, let’s do it together and compare our results”?
I’m not denying that I’m addicted to my phone, in fact, I found this article in my search for ways to be less reliant on my phone.
I feel like this is behavior I forced upon myself. I lose things easily, even if its in my bag it can manage to fall out, so if it isn’t visible I could seriously have lost it (this has happened). Phone are expensive and losing it can be a huge invasion of privacy. Point is, I made myself start constantly checking to make sure I have these important/expensive items so I don’t lose them. Any advice on a way of keeping them safe without having to constantly check on them?
If you’re so concerned about lugging around an expensive piece of technology, why don’t you get a cheap phone to carry in your bag, and leave the expensive one at home?
You can still enjoy all the features of the expensive phone in the comfort of your home while worrying less when you’re out and about.
OMG if i change the word phone to book they all fit for me. I’M A BOOK ADDICT
So when your book is almost dying, you run for the charger? :)
I totally agreed with the few points here.
Using smartphone is not a bad thing but one should need command over it where to use it or where not. I have seen many of my friends who are continuously on phone while they are in lunch with family.
Anyways, You have shared very useful content.
keep sharing.
Pratik, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
I m phone addicted… Ohh god… 25/25 …i can’t live without my phone
Varsha, will you do anything to fix this situation?
My partner is constantly on her phone, it has got to the point where I don’t talk to her as much now.
Occasions are spoilt and I feel disconnected and despondent and less willing to communicate.
JC, you might want to discuss this in a candid manner with your partner. Don’t point fingers or make it sound like their behavior is negatively affecting you. This might turn them very defensive. Simply talk about it in a factual manner.
I think this is true for me in some cases like when I feel I lost my phone I completely go in a panic attack. But I do not carry my phone everywhere and most of the time just realize that I left my phone at home and think WELL IT WILL BE THERE WHEN I GET BACK
No reason to panic then :)
yoh! everything is true there about me, now my parents took my phone_ I feel empty without my phone. My life sucks without it but i think they took it for a good reason though. I do EVERYTHING holding my phone.
Boipelo it’s great that you realize they did it for a good reason.
If I even go for a walk my phone is in my hand at all times and when I am at work it is in my pocket I am 47 years old Omg I would freak out if I lost my phone.
We’ve been trained to keep this digital leash in our lives at all times. How did we survive before mobile phones? Well, we just did.
I’ve got 25/25 what should I do? Please help me. I’m in need of leaving my phone but I can’t and I feel depressed and don’t like talking to people in person.
Hello David,
Being aware of the issue is the first stem to recover from any sort of addiction.
If you would like to take the next step, there are numerous resources online and offline to help you take control over your life again.
Umm..22\25 sooooo im 12years old what should i do
25/25 yikes I’m in trouble (currently typing on my phone while on a call while also charging because it’s low)
There is a gal at work who literally can not be off her phone for more than 2 minutes if that while at her job that has a no phone policy. I hope she isn’t like this when she is driving!!!!!
Helpful article! Thanks for sharing.