Mobile devices have become ubiquitous and an integral part of communication, especially for teenagers and young adults. Younger generations are showing signs of addiction to their mobile devices, as evidenced by excessive texting, an inability to disconnect from their phones, and using their phones as a crutch to avoid human interaction. This constant phone use can interfere with school, work, and personal relationships. While mobile technology provides benefits of connectivity, overuse may lead to behavioral, social, and mental health issues for teens. More research is needed to understand mobile addiction and guide responsible device use.

1. +
The Mobile
Addiction
By: Kyrstin Coughlin
Photo by Dharder via morguefile

2. + Everywhere we turn, people are face
down and staring at their phones…
Photo by epicture’s
via Flickr

3. +
“young adults, aged 18 to 29, send on
average 109.5 texts a day, or
approximately 3,200 messages a
month.”
-Mariano Choliz

4. +
The inevitable is
happening… we are
becoming addicted.

5. +Mobile devices
are readily
accessible,
and
their functions
are continuing
to progress.
Photo by Haml via
morguefile

6. + Teenagers use their mobile
device as an escape and a
form of freedom.
Research states that a teen losing their phone
would be "disastrous to their social lives"
-Richard Alleyne
Photo by Nazaka2002

7. +
Photo by Kyrstin
Coughlin

8. +
“A McAfee study last
year, noted that 70%
of teens actively seek
to hide their online
behavior from their
parents.”
Photo by Lucas Malta
-Brian S Hall

9. +
MOBILE DEVICES
WILL AFFECT TEENS
IN BOTH
ADVANTAGEOUS
AND
INAPPROPRIATE
MANNERS.

10. +
1. It is an instant
interaction with their
peers
Photo by greyerbaby
HOW?

11. + 2. It provides
the opportunity
of masking
their true
identity
Photo by Kyrstin Coughlin

12. +
3. The loss of human
interaction, ruining
personal relationships
Photo by mzacha

13. +
4. An increase in isolation
Photo by anitapeppers

14. + 5. It is much more difficult for parents
to monitor their child’s actions.
Photo by hotblack

15. +Frankly, cell phones are
entertaining.
Teens are fascinated
by these devices.
Photo by
Rajeshkrishnan

16. +
This constant interaction may lead to
behavioural, social, and affective
problems.
-Mariano Choliz
Photo by hotblack

17. + Addiction may interfere with school work or other
personal activities that may threaten one’s
physical interactions and well being.
Photo by mconnors

18. +
Technology has become
the center of our lives.
It has the capacity
of consuming us…
Photo by Clarita

19. + We need a clearer understanding
about what drives this mobile
addiction .
-Richard Alleyne
So we can lead the way for
consumer generations to come.
Photo by DuBoix

20. +
The mobile device has become
the most universal form of
communication and there is no
doubt its use will increase.
Photo by imelenchon

21. + However, overuse is concerning…
Teens use their phones at inappropriate times,
check their phones constantly, feel uneasy without
them, and think of their device as part of them.
Photo by imelenchon

22. + Being constantly connected with your friend
circle even when in a face to face conversation
should not be the definition of normal.
Photo by Seemann

23. +
Credit
 All photos are licensed under the
Creative Commons Non-Commercial
Share-Alike 3.0 agreement and sourced
from flickr or from Morguefile.com

24. +
Sources
 http://readwrite.com/2013/04/08/teenagers-smartphones-
how-theyre-changing-the-world
 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9714616/
Mobile-phone-addiction-ruining-relationships.html
 http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mental-mishaps/
201303/are-you-addicted-your-cell-phone
 http://link.springer.com/chapter/
10.1007/1-84628-248-9_17#page-2