Mobile cell phones have been around since millennials can remember. In reality, they have only existed since the 1970s. Within such a short period of time, cell phones have grown to become one of the most “essential” items in a person’s life. So, how did an item that’s only been out for half a century gain such a prominent role in society? The answer seems to lie in the nature of cell phones alone.

Primarily, cell phones are so addicting due to the way they are designed. For instance, designers take cell phones and add details including the “buzzing of push notifications, nagging red bubbles on apps, and endless feeds,” ultimately creating a device in constant need of our attention (Vox). Whenever your phone rings or the screen lights up, your mind subconsciously becomes concerned with the notification. For this exact reason, many researchers are finding that cell phones, even when they are not being used, continue to have a negative effect on people. To clarify, if a cell phone is simply just nearby a person, that person’s mind is constantly thinking about what notifications could be on the phone. Consequently, their focus is weakened, and they perform any acts with a minimized amount of clarity and rationality.

Despite the addictive nature that cell phones are capable of, it is also a difficult feat to stray away from using them. Living in such a technologically advanced world, it is almost impossible to survive without this readily available source to phone calls, the internet, and its other resources. While cell phones may be addicting, it’s possible to avoid getting heavily involved with them by simply limiting your use on your mobile device. For starters, it can be beneficial to delete social media apps or any other applications that don’t serve a necessary purpose. By “cleansing” out your cell phone, you can ensure that your cell phone is only being used for essential duties, rather than mindlessly scrolling on social media or browsing games.

It seems like common sense that technology is quickly overpowering humans. But to what extent should we let technology advance? If we continue at this rate of dependence on our mobile devices, the functioning of our brains will deteriorate and we will ultimately lose our self sufficiency. Coco Xu (11) agrees, stating that “we should definitely be more careful around our cell phone usage.” Although it is difficult to survive in a modern world without any use of a cell phone, limiting the use of one brings all the more benefits.