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Smartphone addiction and phone separation anxiety are often being thrown around in discussions about the list of millennial issues. Scientists are doing all sorts of tests and social experiments to try and determine the dangers of getting too attached to our little box, and what to do to prevent that. In a recent study, researchers from the City University of Hong Kong have tried to take a deeper look into the “nomophobia” (the anxiety one feels when one is separated from their smartphone) issue. Previously, it was believed that the main reason for the stress reaction is that we start fearing that we might miss a very important call. However, now, researchers are arguing there's something else at play that has absolutely nothing to do with making or receiving actual calls.
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Studies have shown that when we post a life event over social media, the act of capturing it becomes an actual part of the overall experience, and may even change the way we remember the story. For many users, it has become second nature to reach for the phone whenever anything interesting happens to them. Thus, the device feels like an extension of one's self, storing all of our memories and allowing us to instantly share our perspective of the human experience with others.
Dr Ki Joon Kim of the City University of Hong Kong said he fears that users' attachment to their handsets will only grow in the future, and hopes that people can be more conscious of their usage — make great use of the “smart” features of a smartphone, but don't become entangled with their endless customization and personalization features.
