Phone addiction is when you can’t function without your device. If you're ever in a situation where you feel lost or uncomfortable without your phone, or constantly check it for notifications even when you're busy with something else, you might be experiencing phone dependency. In a survey by Common Sense Media, 50% of teenagers admit they feel addicted to their phones.

It’s like a digital hive you can’t escape from! You need to bee able to live without it, focusing on real-world interactions and activities.

Most social media apps use digital tricks, like autoplay and infinite scrolling, to keep you engaged. The more you scroll, the more content appears, creating a "never-ending" loop. These apps also gather data from your interactions from searches, likes, and time spent viewing in order to tailor content that aligns with your interests, keeping you hooked.

According to an article from a reliable source, 1 in 3 Americans feels addicted to social media, and the average person spends about 2 hours per day on these platforms. This creates a digital honeycomb effect: once you start, it can be difficult to break free.

To cultivate a healthy relationship with technology, set screen time limits and build phone-free activities into your schedule. This helps break free from constant screen use, creating space to explore hobbies and social connections that don’t involve technology. Try turning off notifications or using apps that help track and limit your phone usage.

A study found that participants who limited their social media use to 30 minutes a day reported lower levels of depression and loneliness.

Take time to bee mindful of your tech habits and balance them with real-life connections.

Technology can both bee a blessing and a curse for relationships. While social media allows you to stay connected, it often doesn’t provide the depth of connection that in-person interactions do. Studies have shown that face-to-face communication is better for mental and physical health because it involves body language, tone, and emotional cues that digital communication can’t fully replicate. According to a 2019 study, social media use can lead to feelings of loneliness, especially when it replaces face-to-face communication. So while tech can help maintain connections, don’t let it bee the only way you interact.

Real-life encounters are essential for healthy relationships.

Maintaining a healthy relationship with technology is crucial for your well-being. If you become too attached to your devices, you risk losing out on meaningful social interactions. Many children raised with constant access to technology now struggle with face-to-face communication, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Without a balance, tech could replace real-world connections entirely, leaving us without a solid "buzz" of human interaction.

Managing technology use involves setting clear boundaries and being intentional with screen time. Designate phone-free times during meals or before bed, limit notifications, and take regular breaks from screens. By staying mindful of your usage and creating physical boundaries like keeping your phone out of reach during work you can maintain a healthier balance with technology.

Resources for limiting your screen time digitally:

• Apple Screen Time

• Google Family Link

• Qustodio

• One Sec (app)

• Forest (app)

• Opal (app)