While studies are still trying to prove that cell phones are related to cancer, links to restlessness, disrupted sleep, stress, fatigue, and even obsessive-compulsive behaviors have been found.
A professor at Sahlgren’s Academy, Gaby Badre M.D. Ph.D, conducted a study with 21 individuals between the ages of 14 to 20 to see the effects of cell phone use in an individual’s routine.
The control group was allowed to send about 5 texts and 5 calls each day while the other group sent an average of 15 calls and 15 texts each day. The results showed that the group who sent more texts and calls were more restless and lead more careless lifestyles.
Badre commented that “youngsters feel a group pressure to remain interconnected and reachable around the clock.”
Even more shocking is that as of 2008 there is a word to describe the fear of losing your phone. It’s nomophobia. A study conducted by mobile security company SecurEnvoy discovered that 47 percent of the men and 37 percent of the women surveyed claimed to have two or more phones to make sure they were in touch.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Kelly Reeves of KLR Communications said that when she lost her phone she went right out and bought one full price before heading to her meeting.
“It’s like the ability to be constantly reachable has made us fearful of missing out on something.”
Lockout Mobile Security did their own study and found that 50 percent of those surveyed felt anxious about not having their phone with them. Their response is natural according to Lockout who claims that phones have become “like our lifeline and hold our most sensitive info.”
Those who suffer from nomophobia have a fear so intense they can’t conduct business.
The average person checks their phone 34 times a day, but if that’s the case, I am suffering from this disorder because I check my phone at least twice every ten minutes.
If you think your case is extreme, which, let’s face it, most people probably do based on these symptoms, then pay attention because there is hope to relieve this anxiety.
Some treatments recommended by UCLA clinical psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula are “similar to those for treating obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety attacks.”
That means that you should leave your phone behind and refrain from checking e-mail or text messages and then suffer through the anxiety.
The best way to get over your compulsion for your phone is by going through phone withdrawals much like you do with coffee. Push through the anxiety and stress.
Nayeli Carillo is a senior journalism major and a contributing writer for the Daily 49er.
Is this dangerous? I haven’t had a microwave long but every so often maybe once a month or every other month over the last year
I have been beating up baked beans in a microwave with
cling film on top of the bowl. Today my sister told
me this was toxic and dangerous. After doing some research I
found that it is particularly harmful… show more Bake it in oven I try to avoid microwaves at all
costs
cell phone usage is a real problem that can be solved easily. TAKE PHONES AWAY FROM KIDS UNTIL THEY ARE 12