Smartphones have proven to be addicting for many people. Phones and social media strip people away from reality, keeping them out of touch with the world around them. In addition, addictions to smartphones have caused an increased risk of mental health issues, especially in young generations today.

Smartphones suck people in with a constant bright screen, fun colors and new things happening every second. There is always something new to look at and engage with on smartphones. As a result, people stay glued to their phones all day. This increases people’s screen time, an average of eight to nine hours a day, not allowing time to focus on essential things. As a result, productivity has become immensely low, and laziness has taken over.

Senior Jazzy Alison, social media EIC, said that some people “have a 12-plus hour screen time” but complain there is not enough time in a day.

People feel a sense of security with their smartphones. They have become society’s safety blanket. Losing a personal smartphone can feel like the end of the world to some, if not most. Most things people do these days revolve around a smartphone, especially posting on social media to show people how good one’s life is. Without that factor, people have no interest in doing things that may seem boring to society. The decrease in seeing people playing outside, reading a book, or simply enjoying the moment is saddening. 

Pony Express staff agree that when they lose their phone, they get a sense of panic. They agreed they want their phones on them at all times.

Though many agree smartphones are addicting, they are the newest thing of the time. More recent generations are advancing beyond what life used to be when older generations were young. Moreover, people have the resources to use such advanced technology that more people should be using them.

However, the staff agreed that advanced technology is constantly around us. There are few ways to get around without always using technology for something in some way.

Social media and games have caused this widespread addiction. According to Real Research Media, 38.16% of teens spend more than 8 hours a day on social media. To have such a visually appealing thing on a screen at all times makes it challenging to get off of a smartphone. Always having social media at hand has caused FOMO in people.

Staff agreed that they wished they could be like people who are not always on their phones. Those people are in the moment, enjoying what is around them. They are not constantly checking their phone or going on social media to see what other people are doing.

Smartphone addictions are very prominent today, but many deny they have one. However, one can fix this for themselves in many ways and become more in tune with the world around them.