Mobile Phone Addiction - Literature review Example

?Literature Review: Mobile phone addiction Introduction Electronic gadgets have become one of the most prevalent technologies which have infiltrated the market. In the current age of digital globalization, the use of computers and cell phones has become very popular. These technologies have also become accessible to the masses with their cheaper rates and diverse features. Mobile phones have especially become indispensable to society as the demand to always stay connected to each other has also become an important element in people’s daily lives. The use of mobile phones have also become a constant feature for many people, most especially teenagers who always find the need to stay in touch with each other. As a result, mobile phone addiction has become a significant issue among users. Studies on this problem have been carried out, seeking to establish its causes, manifestations, and remedies. This literature review shall review four peer-reviewed articles on mobile phone addiction. A literature search would first be carried out via an internet search using the following search words and similar combinations of these words: mobile phone addiction, cell phone addiction, causes of cell phone addiction, impact of cell phone addiction. Relevant studies shall be set aside for further analysis. Studies carried out in the last 10 years shall be included in this topic, and shall mostly cover teenage addiction to mobile phones. Studies which cover other forms of addiction (i.e. internet or video game addiction) will not be included in this review. Only peer-reviewed articles carried out by credible authors will be included in this literature review. Studies which cover texting addiction only shall not be included as mobile phone addiction may also include the use of calls in the phones. Text addiction is only a part of mobile phone addiction. Body Article 1 In a study by Ahmed, et.al., (2011), the authors set out to evaluate the pattern of mobile phone use among the youth population of Pakistan; the purpose of the authors was to identify the extent of addictive behaviour and its impact on usage. A random sample of 400 university students was covered for this study (Ahmed, et.al., 2011). The authors established that most respondents can establish their priorities either between responsibilities and commitments in their mobile phone usage. Not many students manifest extreme addiction to mobile phone use and majority of the respondents to not manifest any addictive mobile phone use patterns (Ahmed, et.al., 2011). In effect, the respondents for this study are able to use their cell phones reasonably and do not manifest extreme addictive behaviours in their cell phone use (Ahmed, et.al., 2011). The results of this study imply that although mobile phone addiction is a reality in the current widespread availability and usage of mobile phones, it can be a controllable and manageable phenomenon. This study also indicates that mobile phone addiction can be a manageable phenomenon and that users are not as prone to addiction as seems to be expected by society. It is possible for users to control their mobile phone usage to cover only their essential mobile phone needs. The topic of the study is very much relevant in the current context where mobile phone use has become very much rampant, especially among the younger population (Garcia-Montes, et.al., 2006. The study deals with a specific issue, mostly on the establishment of mobile phone use and whether or not it has become a necessity or an addiction. The discussion seeks to specifically evaluate cell phone usage among the younger generation, assessing whether or not its use has reached addictive proportions. The study is a theoretical study, as it seeks to dissect the manifestation of respondent’s behaviour in relation to addiction and necessity (Flyvbjerg, 2006). The concepts of addiction and necessity are used in order to evaluate behaviour, using specific qualities for each concept in order to fully understand the respondent behaviour and mobile phone usage (Biel, et.al., 2005). The specific understanding for either concept was explained by the authors and evaluated specifically for the various respondents in the study. This study also covers a sociological account of respondent behaviour, mostly in terms of how mobile phones are being used by students. The usages of cell phones go beyond the essential; it also covers socialization activities and these details were specifically evaluated by the authors (Davie, et.al., 2004). This study was supported by the notion that technological advancements bring about both positive and negative effects on users. For cell phones, although these bring about major benefits and advancements in communication, they also bring about disadvantages including cell phone addiction (Biel, et.al., 2005). Other forms of technology also carry both negative and positive effects because as these technological advancements provide labour-saving options, their environmental impact and cost may often be significant. This theory was applied to cell phone usage. The authors defined the two main concepts utilised in the study which are: necessity and addiction. The definitions allowed for a clear understanding of how the concept of necessity and addiction applied to mobile phone usage (Goggin, 2006). The general methodological approach was quantitative as the authors used numerical data in order to establish answers from the chosen population to provide support for the issues being raised. Questionnaires were used in order to gather data; and the market analysis and consumer research organization was used in the data analysis. Data mostly relied on previous literature as well as the respondents’ answers to the questionnaires. The conclusions drawn were also based on the answers from the questionnaires, which were then drawn from the generalized results based on the initial research questions. Article 2 Hooper and Zhou (2007) carried out their study in order to evaluate claims that mobile phone usage is addictive, specifically categorizing mobile phone use behaviour according to underlying motivations or purposes. Underlying motivations considered were: addictive, compulsive, dependent, habitual, voluntary, and mandatory. In general, the authors concluded that behaviour cannot be defined into a specific type, even as there seems to be strong support for categorizing mobile phone usage as dependent, voluntary, or mandatory behaviour, not addictive, compulsive, or habitual (Hooper and Zhou, 2007). The topic chosen is also specific because it discusses motivations driving cell phone usage. It is also a theoretical study because it seeks to discuss various motivations and related concepts which help explain reasons behind cell phone usage (Hooper and Zhou, 2007). These motivations are also theoretical concepts which seek to explain behaviour, not just for cell phone usage, but also for other behaviour. Assessing how these motivations apply is a way of detecting which theory would best explain mobile phone usage. The underlying concept behind this study is based on the perception that mobile phone usage has become so widespread to the point that it has already become an addiction to many people (Aoki and Downes, 2003). This belief has been challenged and the importance of defining behaviour has been forwarded as a prerequisite in understanding the mobile phone usage (Sellman, 2007). In defining behaviour, the process can be misleading to simply consider observed behaviour because behaviour can be driven by different motivations (Park, 2005). The motivations for mobile phone usage has not reached a consensus, hence the authors sought to identify behaviour based on underlying motivations (Madrid, 2003). The authors defined the different motivations of behaviour in relation to mobile phone usage. These definitions provided guidance on the conceptualizations of behaviour for the respondents. The study was carried out also as a quantitative study, utilizing a questionnaire to be answered by respondents. The data gathered were then tabulated and run through the SPSS software for statistical treatment. Analysis followed based on the variables and specific motivations. Data used to support the arguments were based on the statistical results and analysis, as well as relevant literature cited in the literature review. The authors concluded that the respondents were motivated by voluntary and mandatory behaviour, but not so much by addiction or compulsions. This study implies that although cell phone usage may cause other individuals to be addicted to the gadget, the chosen respondents indicate that their motivations for cell phone use have been based on their own volition and motivations. Cell phone usage has various motivations. Initially, it has been used to communicate, but now it serves various purposes (Park, 2005). It is used for social interactions, a way to keep in touch with friends and family members. Text messages are also often used in order to send greetings or ‘gifts’ electronically (Park, 2005). Cell phones are also used as a status symbol or to support group identity. Mobile phones have become trendy and the fact that most users can personalize it seems to entice more users (Bianchi and Philips, 2005). Beyond its socialized uses however, cell phones have also been used in order to secure safety. It is often used in emergencies where contact with family or emergency services are often made convenient through these cell phones (Bianchi and Philips, 2005). For individuals working in emergency services, including paramedics, police officers, life guards, and on call nurses and doctors, cell phones have become an important and essential gadget in their daily activities (Bianchi and Philips, 2005). Article 3 Szpakow, et.al., (2011) sought to consider the assessment role of mobile phones in the life of students based on mobile phone addiction symptoms among Belarus university students. The study covered 160 students from Belarus. The study revealed that most of the students had cell phones and majority of these students believed that cell phones had negative impacts. Many of them believe that their cell phones should be turned off in theatres, churches and movie houses (Szpakow, et.al., 2011). They believed that cell phones have a harmful impact and that many users would become addicted to the gadget. Majority of the students were also suffering from mobile phone addiction. The topic is also a specific one as it seeks to study the harmful impact of mobile phone use. It studied students and the possible symptoms of mobile phone addiction they displayed. This research considers a theoretical approach, mostly in relation to the fact that the world has become smaller through advancements in communication. Gaps in communication have now been bridged by various technological developments, making the world a highly connected world. Being out of communication range seems to imply a withdrawal process which is unacceptable for mobile phone users (Szpakow, et.al., 2011). The theoretical basis for mobile phone use is dependency wherein individuals become extremely attached to a certain attitude or behaviour that its loss can sometimes impact negatively on a person’s normal activities. For some users, their dependency on mobile phone usage has become significant and 1 in 10 respondents have already manifested signs of cell phone addiction (Szpakow, et.al., 2011). The fact that about 70% of the users never put off their cell phones makes the addiction a much more significant issue. The study defines mobile phone addiction, and related symptoms. The authors applied the quantitative research study, utilizing questionnaires to gather data from respondents. Data was then tabulated and analysed based on the numerical analysis and statistical evaluation. The different variables describing mobile phone use were also specified by the authors. Data from the tables and from the literature review were also utilised to support the results. The study concluded that mobile phone addiction is present in some students and the fact that mobile phones play a huge part in students’ lives makes the task of minimizing cell phone use very much difficult. There are various theories which can be used in order to explain mobile phone addiction. Other theorists also explain that mobile phone usage is more a compulsion than an addiction (Dimonte and Ricchiuto, 2006; Walsh and White, 2007). Addiction is considered abnormal behaviour and is often seen where any activity or substance has become the major focus of a person’s life, excluding all other activities; or if such activity has caused harm to a person or to other individuals physically, mentally, or even socially (Li and Chung, 2004). Addictive behaviour often includes four elements, including a sudden and spontaneous desire t act; psychological disequilibrium; onset of psychological conflict signalling an inner conflict of thoughts; and a lack of regard for the consequences of behaviour (Livingstone, 2008). These addictions are often associated with low self-esteem and feelings of powerlessness with the addictive behaviour providing some form of relief for such feelings (Taylor and Harper, 2003). Article 4 Shambare, et.al., (2012) discussed how mobile phones have become a major 21st century technology. The authors set out to measure addictive and habitual behaviour in order to establish whether cell phone use is habit-forming or addictive. This is a relevant study as it specifically evaluated indicators of cell phone addiction among student respondents. It is also a theoretical report, as well as a sociological account (Shambare, et.al., 2012). It is theoretical because it seeks to evaluate the perception that mobile phone use has become an addictive behaviour among users. It tests theories on mobile phone use as well as addiction and considers their applicability for mobile phone use. It defines addiction and other elements of addiction behaviour including dependency, compulsion, social interactions, and compulsive behaviour in order to further determine the specific qualities of mobile users (Shambare, et.al., 2012). It is a quantitative study, mainly using questionnaires to gather data. Data supporting the argument are gained from the tabulated results as well as the literature review previously cited by the authors. These arguments help support the conclusion that mobile phone usage can be dependency forming and can be addictive to users. Common manifestations come from respondents who express how they often feel upset when they do not have their cell phones and that they may be missing messages if they are not within easy reach of their cell phones. All in all, this study provides details which are different from previous studies. This study agrees with the perception that mobile phone use is addictive and can be habit-forming. In the early 1990s, the use of mobile phones slowly gained large-scale momentum, especially soon after the creation of GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), including related hardware developments which reduced the size and the weight of cellular phones (Ling, 2005). GSM phones have mostly been built for voice conversations, however the Short Messaging Service (SMS) became an important tool among users, especially the younger population. SMS became widely used in Asia and Africa first before gaining widespread use in the US and in other western nations. In 2007, there were already 2.73 mobile connections worldwide (US Census Bureau, 2007). In about 19 countries, there have been more recorded mobile phone subscriptions than the entire population. Penetration rates in Europe, Italy, Norway, Middle East, and Asia were very high. The use of SMS became so popular that in 2005 alone, surveys indicate that there was an average of one trillion messages sent globally (Niaz, 2008). These figures indicate how the use of mobile phones has become a widespread phenomenon and how the marketing of mobile phones have made it possible for most people to own at least one cell phone. In recent years, developments on mobile phone use have made the gadget more personal and more enjoyable to use. Users enjoy decorating it, putting distinctive ring tones on it, and even playing games on it (Wei, 2006). In countries like Japan, mobile users often attach decorative straps and strings to their mobile phones, with these straps lighting up when calls or messages are received. Stickers and other pictures also grace these phones. Downloading ring tones also became so popular at one point that sales for these ring tones reached about $4 billion in 2005 alone (Leung, 2008). Users have also considered other features for the personalization of their phones especially with these gadgets having camera capability. In recent years, GPS have also become available on these phones (Wei, 2006). These additional features on the mobile phone have made the gadget even more indispensable to users. Discussion and Conclusion Compulsive behaviour can also be used to explain mobile phone addiction. Compulsive behaviour refers to actions or behaviour which is driven or dictated by impulse and the inability to control the impulse (Hooper and Zhou, 2007). Compulsive behaviour involves a sudden or spontaneous desire to act, psychological disequilibrium, onset of psychological conflict, reduced rational evaluation of behaviour or product attributes, and the lack of regard for consequences of behaviour (Hooper and Zhou, 2007). There is a decreased control over one’s actions and the behaviour is often periodic and irrational. Addictive behaviours on the other hand have a more constant pattern (Aoki and Downes, 2003). Psychological theories also help explain any forms of addiction. This approach basically highlights the fact that there is less control over a person’s actions and behaviour even with issues or problems with usage (Livingstone, 2008). The behavioural model focuses on observable behaviour where one group concentrates on the fact that behaviour is maintained by the impact of the behaviour (Goggin, 2006). Personality theories also argue that some individuals are often liable to addiction because they have an addictive personality (Goggin, 2006). Mobile use is therefore one among the many possible addictions which a person may have. These theories provide various explanations on mobile phone addiction and establish adequate background on subsequent discussions on this form of addiction. The younger generation of cell phone users have become addicted to mobile phones. In a report by the International Center for Media & the Public Agenda (in Alleyne, 2011), young users express that they often felt bereft without their cell phones and the feelings they expressed was akin to the phenomenon known as phantom limb syndrome among amputees. More often than not, these children also expressed feelings of mental and physical distress when they were not using their cell phones. They described the sensation to be scary and frightening sensations (Alleyne, 2011). Where students were ‘unplugged’ for a day, they expressed that they felt like losing a limb when they were disconnected from their cell phones. They described other emotions when disconnected to include the following emotions as well: fretful, confused, anxious, lonely, paranoid, depressed, angry, dependent, insecure, nervous, restless, and jittery. For many users, cell phones have become a form of security blanket (Alleyne, 2011). These feelings often indicate that the mobile phone use has become more than a social and communication tool for users, it has become a necessity. The studies to be discussed below shall consider the impact of mobile phone addiction as well as the current discoveries on the topic. The articles above indicate that mobile phones have become a major technological advancement in this century and its use has become so widespread that it has reached almost all corners of the globe and almost all ages of the population. They indicate that there are different motivations for cell phone use, mostly for essential communication and also for socialization. The aspect of socialization has made cell phone use very much widespread and seems to be the major cause of cell phone addiction. Since users feel the need to stay connected to their social network, they have found it difficult to put down their cell phones. Three of the studies however indicate that cell phone addiction has not become a major issue among users and that although mobile phone addiction has been seen in some of their respondents, their numbers were low. One of the studies however indicated how cell phone addiction was apparent in their respondents, mostly through their behaviour and their attitudes as users. Generally however, the authors declared how cell phone addiction is a major issue in the current society, prompting users to be dependent on its technology. With a larger sample of users covering a wider geographical area, it may be possible to establish more generalized results on mobile phone addiction. The results of this research can be used in order to consider more studies in relation to specific details on reactions to cell phone withdrawal as well as indicators for remedies on addictive behaviour. References Ahmed, I., Fiaz, T., and Perji, K., 2011. Mobile phone to youngsters: Necessity or addiction. African Journal of Business Management, 5 (32), 12512-12519. Alleyne, R., 2011. The young generation are 'addicted' to mobile phones. 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