entitled: "Germans Acknowledge Excessive Smartphone Usage: A Growing Trend"
"Hand over your phone, please." Phrases like this might be repeatedly said millions of times in Germany, especially during festive seasons. And the ancient proverb attributed to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, "You can see the speck in someone else's eye, but not the log in your own," might be particularly relevant here. It appears that a lot of people these days might be overusing their smartphones – even while conversing with others, but they are more prone to noticing it in others.
However, many individuals seem to be self-aware of their smartphone addiction. This revelation stems from a representative Yougov survey commissioned by the German Press Agency.
Almost every second smartphone user feels that they spend an inappropriate amount of time on their device daily. 27% rate their own smartphone use as "too long," while another 15% reckon it's "far too long," adding up to 42%. In contrast, 53% acknowledge that their smartphone use is "appropriate." Only two percent express a desire to spend more time on their smartphone, while the rest remained undecided.
When compared to a survey conducted five years ago, only around 32% of respondents described their own smartphone time as "too long." An additional 63% thought it was "appropriate."
The trajectory is obvious – showing a shift in behavior between 2018 and the present. According to the survey, female smartphone users (44%) are more likely to report excessive usage as opposed to men (39%).
Moreover, this trend reveals that younger people are being affected the most by their own behavior. Around 60% of 18 to 24-year-olds and 63% of 25 to 34-year-olds admit to wasting too much time on their smartphones, followed by 48% of 35 to 44-year-olds, 44% of 45 to 54-year-olds, and just 26% of the over-55s. Interestingly, the age group with the highest proportion of non-smartphone users is also the 55+ group.
What people use their smartphones for was not mentioned in this survey. However, the perpetual battle of time against entertainment and productivity is probably a recurring experience for smartphone users.
Excessive smartphone use has also been found to result in negative health consequences, such as "cellphone neck," strained arms, and shoulders, as well as psychological problems, including stress, decreased concentration, and phantom vibration syndrome. Even getting enough sleep can be affected due to late-night cell phone usage. It is often recommended to dedicate the evening away from smartphones for better sleep and mental relaxation.
Using smartphones before sleep can make it more challenging to unwind and relax. Introducing some digital detox time can benefit one's overall health and well-being.
