‘Adult iPad kids’ are calling themselves out for their ‘harmful’ device addictions: ‘I can’t be left alone with my thoughts’
TikTokers are labeling themselves “adult iPad kids” for their phone and tablet addictions — and experts agree that device dependency is very real, and very damaging.
Whether they’re Gen-Zers who grew up as “iPad kids,” or millennials who developed a dependency on mobile devices later in life, these TikTokers have realized they’re never without some kind of technology in hand.
And while everyone’s addiction seems to present itself differently — some struggle with scrolling for hours at a time, while others can’t eat without watching something on their device — the dependency is the same.
TikToker @noracummins_ gained over 1.3 million views, 203,000 likes and 15,000 saves when she uploaded a video about breaking her phone addiction.
“I fully realized today that I am a full-blown adult iPad kid,” she says in the video. “I cannot function without my phone for more than 10 minutes. I look like I’m going through an addiction withdrawal.”
More than 600 TikTokers shared their own device dependency issues in the comments.
“I hate to admit that I’m also addicted to my phone and it ruined my attention span. I can barely read 2 pages of a book before wanting to scroll again,” commented @wastelandsbaby.
“I am worried about my TikTok addiction. It’s not funny and I can’t stop. I don’t know how to break this habit. It’s maddening,” wrote @corpsesanimated.
“I’m not addicted to my phone, I’m addicted to the distraction it provides. I can’t be left alone with my thoughts,” shared @soluzen23.
Is phone/tablet addiction real?
In The Know by Yahoo spoke to mental health and addiction expert Dr. Paul Daidone, executive clinical director at True Self Recovery, to figure out if people can truly become addicted to their devices — and what possible side effects such an addiction might have.
“Growing bodies of research suggest that dependency on mobile devices such as the iPhone or iPad is real,” says Daidone. “Across the globe, many individuals, both young and old, find themselves constantly immersed in their phones or tablets.”
He continues, “While it is true that these devices can provide many useful benefits, they also have some harmful side effects if used excessively.”
What makes phones/devices so addictive?
According to VeryWell Health, cellphone addiction is similar to other types of addiction because of its effect on dopamine, a chemical in the body that causes feelings of pleasure.
“Cellphone use has been shown to stimulate the production and release of dopamine, which drives the need to use it more and more,” it states.
In a 2018 talk at Stanford Graduate School of Business, Chamath Palihapitiya, former vice president of User Growth at Facebook, expressed feeling “tremendous guilt” for his involvement in exploiting this connection between dopamine and consumer behavior.
“The short-term, dopamine-driven feedback loops that we have created are destroying how society works,” he said. “You don’t realize it, but you are being programmed.”
What are the signs and symptoms of phone/tablet addiction?
According to VeryWell Health, the following behaviors could signify a device addiction:
You are constantly reaching for your phone.
You spend much of your time on your phone.
You wake in the night to check if your phone has any notifications.
You feel negative emotions such as anger, sadness or anxiety when you don’t have your phone or can’t check your phone.
Using your phone has led to an injury or accident, such as a car crash from texting while driving.
The amount of time you spend on your phone affects your professional and personal life.
When you try to limit your phone use, you end up relapsing in a short period of time.
What are the side effects of phone/tablet addiction?
“The most common side effects of tech overuse include sleep disturbances due to light stimulation from the device, headaches caused by straining your eyes for long periods of time, neck pain resulting from poor posture, and general physical fatigue from overuse of the device,” says Daidone.
He continues, “Long-term tech overuse can lead to problems with mental health, such as increased stress levels, decreased attention spans, social isolation due to less face-to-face interaction with others, as well as an increased risk of developing ADHD-like symptoms (such as lack of focus and acclimation to fragmented information.)”
How to break the addiction
So how can people with a strong device dependency break their reliance on technology?
Daidone recommends scheduling activity-based tasks, device-free periods with family and friends, and adjusting your phone settings.
“Take frequent breaks when using the device and limit your screen time in general — for example, replace one hour of device use with activity-based tasks such as going for a walk or playing an instrument. Outdoor activities such as gardening, swimming or biking can also be beneficial, as they can help to reduce stress and bring a sense of well-being. Mindfulness activities such as yoga and meditation can also help in reducing stress and increasing concentration.”
He continues, “To be more present in conversations with friends and family, focus on actively listening to the other person and put away your phone. Talk in a calm, relaxed environment free from distractions — aim to have device-free conversations that allow for quality time and connection with those around you.”
Tricking your brain by adjusting your settings could also help. “Switching to the grayscale mode on your device can also help reduce its visual stimulation and encourage you to use it less,” he says.
In The Know by Yahoo is now available on Apple News — follow us here!
The post ‘Adult iPad kids’ are calling themselves out for their ‘damaging’ device addictions: ‘I can’t be left alone with my thoughts’ appeared first on In The Know.
More from In The Know:
What is 'egg ick,' and why are so many TikTokers suffering from it?
These 7 long-lasting designer fragrance sets are so much cheaper during Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
