To add to yesterday's blog about smartphone and internet addiction, here is a smartphone compulsion test to find out how addicted you are.
1. Do you find yourself spending more time on your cell or smartphone than you realize?
Yes
No
2. Do you find yourself mindlessly passing time on a regular basis by staring at your cell or smartphone?
Yes
No
3. Do you seem to lose track of time when on your cell or smartphone?
Yes
No
4. Do you find yourself spending more time texting, tweeting or emailing as opposed to talking to people in person?
Yes
No
5. Has the amount of time you spend on your cell or smartphone been increasing?
Yes
No
6. Do you wish you could be a little less involved with your cell or smartphone?
Yes
No
7. Do you sleep with your cell or smartphone (turned on) under your pillow or next to your bed regularly?
Yes
No
8. Do you find yourself viewing and answering texts, tweets and emails at all hours of the day and night—even when it means interrupting other things you are doing?
Yes
No
9. Do you text, email, tweet or surf while driving or doing other similar activities that require your focused attention and concentration?
Yes
No
10. Do you feel your use of your cell or smartphone decreases your productivity at times?
Yes
No
11. Do you feel reluctant to be without your cell or smartphone, even for a short time?
Yes
No
12. Do you feel ill-at-ease or uncomfortable when you accidentally leave your smartphone in the car or at home, have no service or have a broken phone?
Yes
No
13. When you eat meals, is your cell or smartphone always part of the table place setting?
Yes
No
14. When your cell or smartphone rings, beeps or buzzes, do you feel an intense urge to check for texts, tweets, emails, updates, etc.?
Yes
No
15. Do you find yourself mindlessly checking your cell or smartphone many times a day, even when you know there is likely nothing new or important to see?
Yes
No
Score:
Interpreting the score:
4 or more: You might benefit by examining how much time you spend on your smartphone and consider changing your use patterns.
This questionnaire is not intended to replace professional diagnosis.
Adapted from: Smartphone Abuse Test by Dr. David Greenfield, The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction.
This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy. This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.