Mobile phones are making us more anxious and disconnected
The impact mobile phones are having on the way we communicate has been put under the microscope by the University of South Australia.
Although technology has us more connected than ever, we're feeling disconnected. 9News
The analysis found the constant use of smart devices can make people feel anxious and disconnected.
In an increasingly connected world, it's becoming harder to switch off.
"They're never off, they're always on," Associate Professor Barbara Spears said.
"Their lives are not separated from their digital devices and we as adults need to recognise that."
Student Ashleigh Tardivo admits she's constantly on her phone.
"I couldn't go a day without my phone and I just think why would I?"
That reliance on devices is now leading to changes in behaviour with many people feeling lost if they don't have their phone.
"It does stress me out. I get anxious about it," Ms Tardivo said.
There's even a term for that anxious feeling - nomophobia.
Most of us have also experienced something now known as "phubbing", where someone checks a phone in the middle of a conversation.
Checking phones in middle of meals and conversations is becoming more common. 9News
"If I'm in a conversation with someone to talk to someone else I'm a bit like, okay that's rude," student Teyah Heath said.
Researchers say it's a sign of a changing times, with the explosion in social media apps in particular impacting the way people use their phones.
"They're almost like a poker machine because they get a reinforcement, the get a ping a message has come in they want to check it. They want to look at it. They get a reinforcement they get a buzz when they see what's there," Associate Professor Spears said.
Then there's the physical effects from constantly looking down.
Results from a study that UniSA was involved in, found 32 per cent of students who used smartphones experienced neck pain.
But experts say the impact of phones is not all negative. Phones serve an important social purpose and can be an education tool.
And with smart technology developing at such a fast rate more research is needed to determine what impact this will have on society in the future.
"We have the watches the wearables, we have so many different devices now it may not necessarily be a mobile phone."
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