ABC-7 Special Report: Tech addiction explained

The latest study by the Pew Research Center found 64 percent of American adults own smartphones.

But does the phone really own you?

Some experts believe tech addiction is real.

An example of the addiction is seen at the University of Texas El Paso during the transition between classes. While the campus is full of students, many are quiet, walking alone with buds plugged into their ears, or while staring at phones.

“We don’t appreciate the view,” said UTEP student Giovanna Motta. “We just walk and are texting.”

Motta may speak with wisdom and insight, but she admits that she, too, is addicted to technology.

“I wake up in the morning (and the) first thing that I look at is my phone,” Giovanna admitted.

To those who are not addicted to their phones, the constant reliance on pocket technology is troubling.

UTEP anthropology professor Dr. David Carmichael told ABC-7 he has begun handing out a study guide with success strategies to his freshman students. One of the strategies suggests limiting the use of social media.

“The psychologists I’ve been reading show it is addictive,” Carmichael said. “You see that when more than half of students at the college and high school level are concerned about when the next time is they’ll be able to check their email or their texts.”

Carmichael said the feelings experienced by those who rely on their phones mimic those of addiction withdrawal.

“It’s almost this anxiety about when will be the next time they can get on their media, and feeling stressed and depressed if you can’t. Those are all real signs of addiction.”

Monday on ABC-7 at 10, reporter Stephanie Valle explores the real impact of technology on people psychologically and socially, as well as provides tips for disconnecting from your phone and technology.