The proliferation of smartphones has led to a surge in addiction, with over a dozen bills demanding age-appropriate safety measures for tech companies in the US. This has made tech companies proactively address digital wellness mandates while guarding themselves against punitive legal action.
According to a recent report by Barclays Capital analysts, smartphone addiction has resulted in increased business risks for social media platforms, including Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc., Alphabet Inc.’s Google, and some hardware companies and gaming developers.
Barclays defines smartphone addiction as “excessive dependency or obsession that interferes with daily activities and promotes distress and anxiety upon withdrawal.” The overreliance on mobile phones has now become a force to be reckoned with, being referred to as “nomophobia” or the irrational fear of being without your mobile phone.
As technologists explore ways to tackle this rampant addiction, businesses must acknowledge the implications of digital addiction on their bottom lines while prioritizing user well-being and safety.
The Dangers of Smartphone Addiction in Children
As technology continues to develop, the age that children receive their first smartphone gets younger and younger. In fact, the average age dropped from 12 to 10 between 2012 and 2016. While this trend may seem inconsequential, research warns that this shift can have a severe impact on adolescent development.
Children are most vulnerable to smartphone addiction through mobile gaming, social media, and videos. Overuse of smartphones can result in an increased risk of loneliness, obesity, and depression, according to recent studies.
The seriousness of this issue is reflected in the introduction of bipartisan bills in the U.S. Senate, including the Kids Online Safety Act and the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act. Several states including Arkansas, Texas, and Utah have also implemented laws concerning these matters.
This issue is timely, as concerns regarding social media have gained widespread attention with over 200 lawsuits filed against social media companies. Ongoing academic research also continues to highlight the negative impacts of social media.
It’s time to recognize that children are not immune to the dangers of smartphone addiction. With more legislation and awareness campaigns, we can work together to protect our children’s wellbeing.
