The world of technology is evolving every day to bring better computers, televisions and even “smart” refrigerators to people. The most anticipated release of every year is the newest smart phone. Smart phones are computers, televisions, cameras and many other tools all packaged neatly in one device. With one device doing the work of several, it is more possible than ever to become addicted to any or all of the functions of a smart phone.

In a world defined by technology, where a smart phone has the capabilities necessary to work efficiently in a professional setting, where is the line drawn between using a phone for work purposes and using it to assuage a growing habit? Millenials are a generation considered to be a group of “workaholics,” and that probably has something to do with the majority of millenials who regularly use their phones to work. Having a handheld device that makes work accessible nearly anywhere has led to many people spending far over 40 hours a week working, although not always in the office.

Cell phone addictions can present themselves as other things, like working or social media addictions. Most teens who spend more than five hours a day on their phones will admit that the majority of that time is on some form of social media. Other teens will admit that a large percent of the time on their phone is spent playing mobile games or on streaming websites.

Cell phone addiction has proven detrimental to a person’s physical health. Using cell phones for hours each day can negatively affect someone’s emotions, increase stress levels and can cause vision and sleep problems.

The constant presence of pressures from social media can negatively impact someone’s self-worth and lead to depression. Even those who don’t have social media may feel a strain on social relationships if they constantly are on their phone while in the presence of someone else.

It has been proven that cell phones increase stress levels in both young men and women. A Swedish study that focused on young adults proved a correlation between high cell phone use and symptoms of anxiety. The constant ringing, vibrating and other alerts are proven to induce a stress reaction.

Cell phones, along with many other forms of technology, emit blue light. Staring at blue light for long periods of time can trick the chemicals in the brain to thinking that it is daytime, making it much harder to go to sleep. Also, the small size of cell phones leads to people straining their eyes while trying to read off of it, causing the health of eyes to deteriorate.

Although cell phones are an important part of both professional and personal lives, it’s a good idea to spend some time each day away without them.