EDMONTON — The phenomenon of problematic smartphone use is emerging as a significant concern, akin to addiction, particularly among young adults. Anita Hagh, a 28-year-old post-doctoral researcher at McGill University, shared her personal experience of compulsively checking her phone for the Facebook app, even after deleting it five years ago. "After deleting it, I was very much thinking it was still there, kind of like a phantom limb situation," Hagh explained. Her struggle highlights the challenges many face in breaking free from the grip of their devices.

Hagh is currently researching the addictive nature of social media. She believes her experience reflects what experts are calling "problematic smartphone use" or phone addiction. Jay Olson, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Toronto, led a 2023 global study that surveyed over 50,000 individuals about their smartphone habits. He noted that normal smartphone use becomes problematic when it negatively impacts daily life, such as causing depression or interfering with sleep and concentration.

Olson pointed out that many young adults have grown up in a world dominated by smartphones, making it difficult for older generations to grasp the extent of the issue. "Smartphones started to become more popular around 2009," he said. "A bunch of kids across the world got these phones. And so now we’re starting to see what some of these effects might be."

Venture Academy, a private school for troubled teens in Barrie, Ontario, and Red Deer, Alberta, offers treatment for issues related to "electronic addiction." Gary Su, a clinical therapist at the academy, noted that smartphone use complicates the lives of many young clients. "We are seeing a very unique phenomenon," he stated. "Things seem to be a lot more volatile or more extreme. Kids are exposed to things just way too early for their age. And it’s harder to trace, because everything online is anonymous."

Su observed that excessive phone use can hinder social interactions. Some students spend hours in their bedrooms, engrossed in texting after school. He also highlighted the impact on family dynamics and the rise of online bullying. "I see a lot of families just come in because of phone addiction or problematic phone use," Su said. "I feel for the parents. Most of us are not tech geniuses."

Despite the growing concern, problematic smartphone use has not yet been classified as an addiction in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the standard reference for mental health professionals. Olson noted, "There isn’t consensus among researchers right now, because the problem is so new." However, he acknowledged that there are similarities between problematic smartphone use and other behavioral addictions. "So often people report this compulsion, like when they wake up, they have to check their phone right away," he said.

Su added that some of his patients could be classified as phone addicts. "Addiction is when you are doing something that you know has negative consequences and you can’t stop yourself from using it," he explained. "I see a lot of youth I work with fit in that category. I tend to not label it, because labeling is not doing any good."

Olson emphasized the need for more discussions about smartphone habits. He suggested that cellphone bans in schools across Canada are a positive step, but more action is required from governments, such as implementing age limits on social media platforms. "I certainly think that it’s an important contributor to this decline in mental health that we’re seeing," he said.

Hagh continues to monitor her phone habits for her research. "It is very addicting. These platforms have been optimized to capture as much attention … and arguably create an addiction," she said. "It’s kind of like having to watch a train crash or a car crash. You just can’t look away."