Cellphone addiction is a serious problem plaguing mankind. According to King University Online, the percentage of Americans who owned a cellphone in 2017 was 56%, that’s over half the population of the United States.

In the same study, it was shown people would touch their phones an average of 2,617 times per day. Social media applications like Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook are often used as a way to make people feel whole. 

Social media has evolved from a form of entertainment to a way of life. When people do not get all the social media intake they crave for that day then it’s as if their entire day becomes ruined.

In today’s society, cellphone addictions are praised. Some people get paid for likes, popularity, looks or if they are funny or unusual.

According to helpguide.org, problems that arise because of cellphone addiction can include a lack of sleep, becoming addicted to online gambling, and an increase of stress or anxiety.

Ruth Ferkings, a former guidance counselor, once experienced a student who was so attached to his phone that he was kicked out of the classroom and sent to her office.

When she asked the student to not look at his cellphone it was like asking the impossible of him, and without a moment of hesitation, he went back to using his cellphone right in front of her.

While the task may seem daunting cellphone addiction can be cured. First, like any addiction, admit you have a problem. Coming clean about it will help you move forward.

Another step is to place the cellphone somewhere else. Do not have the cellphone next to you at night because let’s face it, we are all guilty of trying to go to bed but then realizing an hour or two has passed because of Instagram or Snapchat.

A lack of sleep is often a result of nightly cellphone use. Finding an activity not related to a cellphone can also help in limiting the amount of time spent on the phone. 

Not having a cellphone does not have to be such a burden. Using a cellphone for the right reasons, like expanding your knowledge on the world or reaching out to a loved one who lives far away, are positive and great uses of a cellphone. Taking pictures and capturing the joys in your life is another great thing a phone can do for you.

Cellphone addiction is no laughing matter and could often lead to many problems. Sure, there are good ways to utilize them, but it is important not to get carried away. While it seems society has plunged itself deep into the void of technological dependency, we still have the opportunity and the responsibility to end this epidemic before it’s too late.