In my last blog post I wrote about being struck by a recent article I’d read entitled:

Bill Gates and Steve Jobs raised their kids tech-free — and it should’ve been a red flag

Such a compelling thought, isn’t it? Additional articles name other Silicon Valley execs who do the same thing. Seems they understand the addictive powers of smartphones, tablets, and computers, perhaps more than the general public.

I’ve looked at the work of Dr. James Roberts, a noted Professor of Marketing at Baylor University, and a recognized expert on consumer behavior. He has written several books and a recent one deals entirely with this subject! The book is called Too Much of a Good Thing: Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone?

Here is an excerpt from his book that reminds us of the six signs that researchers have identified that accompany any behavioral or substance addiction. As you read through them, consider your digital device habits.

• Salience: A behavior becomes salient when it is deeply integrated in our daily routine.
• Euphoria/Mood Modification: What does the beep, buzz, whistle or stylized ringtone produce for you? The feeling of anticipation or excitement that precedes and / or follows the use of our smartphone is a mood modification resulting in euphoria.
• Tolerance: Like in drug and alcohol abuse, tolerance addresses the need for an ever-increasing “dose” of the behavior to achieve the desired “high.”
• Withdrawal: The feelings of irritability, stress, anxiousness, desperation and even panic that often occur when you are separated from your smartphone are good examples of withdrawal symptoms.
• Conflict: Do your spouse or children complain that you are always on your phone? Do you allow texts, calls and e-mails to interfere with your vacations and personal time? Are your work activities interrupted by games or other numerous forms of entertainment offered via your smartphone?
• Relapse: When we acknowledge that our smartphone use may be undermining our well-being, we attempt to stop. Then we slip back – we relapse.

Music expert Simon Cowell was interviewed last week and talked about the fact that he has not used his mobile phone in almost a year. He acknowledged that it was first very strange but by shelving his mobile he has become much more focused on his immediate surroundings, which “has been so good for my mental health” and “absolutely made me happier.”

Another compelling thought, wouldn’t you say?

As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.

Gigi