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Smartphones Are The New Cigarettes – Hmmm, Really???

February 20, 2024

Caveat : What sparked this blog post was an article posted in the Toronto Star on February 20th, 2024 titled, “Smartphones are the new cigarettes. We may look back at our collective addiction in disbelief” (1)

In today’s onlife world, concerns about the impact of technology on our children’s well-being are ever-present, and rightly so. From worries about excessive screen use to fears of addiction, parents often grapple with navigating the complexities of raising children in today’s onlife world based on what they hear or read in the media. However, it’s essential to approach these concerns with a nuanced understanding, avoiding faulty analogies where just because two things share some similarities doesn’t mean they’re alike in every way. 

One common misconception is the comparison between smartphone use and addiction to substances like cigarettes. While it may seem convenient to draw parallels, the reality is far more complex. Some who like to make this comparison will say they use the word cigarette addiction “colloquially” rather than “diagnostically”

In discussions surrounding mental health and addiction, the terms “colloquially” and “diagnostically” play crucial roles in shaping perceptions and understanding. These terms represent distinct approaches to labeling and categorizing behaviors, and understanding their differences is essential for accurate communication and interpretation, especially when it comes to our kids and their use of technology.

When we refer to something “colloquially,” we are speaking in terms commonly used in everyday language or informal conversation. In the context of mental health, using a term like “addiction” colloquially means applying it based on general observations or a layperson’s understanding, rather than adhering to strict diagnostic criteria.

For example, a parent expressing concerns about their child’s “addiction” to cellphones may be using the term addiction colloquially to convey their perception of excessive screen use and its impact on behavior and well-being. In this sense, “colloquially” allows for flexibility in language and interpretation, reflecting individual experiences and perspectives.

On the other hand, when we approach the term “diagnostically,” we are adhering to specific criteria and standards established within clinical or professional contexts. In the area of addiction, diagnoses are made based on criteria outlined in diagnostic manuals such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).

Using the example of addiction, a diagnostic assessment would involve a doctor evaluating the individual’s symptoms against the criteria for substance use disorders or behavioral addictions outlined in these manuals. A diagnosis made diagnostically follows a standardized process and is based on objective criteria rather than subjective perceptions or opinions.

The distinction between “colloquially” and “diagnostically” is crucial for parents to understand for several reasons. First, it underscores the significance of clear and precise communication, especially when delving into intricate subjects like mental health and addiction in conversations with our kids.(2) Although using terms colloquially allows for flexibility and subjective interpretation, it may also lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations of the true underlying issues.

Second, recognizing the difference between colloquial and diagnostic usage of terms helps avoid stigma and stereotyping associated with issues such as addiction and mental health. Colloquial usage may inadvertently perpetuate misconceptions or oversimplify complex issues, whereas diagnostic criteria provide a standardized framework for accurate assessment and treatment.

We should be mindful of the potential consequences of labeling or stigmatizing behavior based on colloquial terms. Using terms like “addiction” casually may inadvertently reinforce negative stereotypes or undermine the child’s sense of agency and autonomy when it comes to their use of technology. This is something that we believe some groups and individuals are purposely using as a strategy to create a moral panic surrounding youth and their use of technology to meet their agenda.

Diagnostically, research suggests that the behaviors observed in excessive smartphone use are better labeled as problematic or maladaptive habituation, rather than indicative of an addiction.(3)(4)(5)(6) Unlike the severe consequences of substance addiction, the harms associated with smartphone use do not reach the same levels of severity in most cases. It’s crucial for parents to recognize the difference, especially when it comes to colloquial clickbait headlines such as “Smartphones Are The New Cigarette”.

While concerns about the overuse of technology among young people are valid, likening it to the addictiveness of cigarettes is misguided. Unlike cigarettes, smartphones and other devices serve as essential tools in today’s interconnected world. Rather than advocating based upon the colloquial use of cigarettes, a more practical approach to promote healthy cellphone habits –  the strategies and activism that led to greater automobile safety.

Just as seatbelts, airbags, and anti-lock brakes enhance the safety of cars, parental guidance and technological safeguards, combined with social media company accountability, can mitigate the risks associated with technology and smartphone use. Unlike cigarettes, which offer no societal benefits and pose grave health risks, smartphones facilitate communication, access to information, and productivity – there is a big difference!

As parents, it’s crucial to engage in open dialogue with our children about responsible technology use. Rather than demonizing smartphones and colloquially comparing them to cigarettes, let’s foster a healthy relationship with technology, emphasizing balance and moderation. By understanding the nuances and avoiding simplistic comparisons, we can guide our children toward responsible digital citizenship in an increasingly connected onlife world.

While problematic phone use and cigarette addiction may both exhibit some colloquial similarities in certain aspects, they are fundamentally different. Here’s why problematic cellphone use is not the same as cigarette addiction:

  • Cigarette smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, contributing to various health issues like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory ailments. While excessive cellphone use has its own set of consequences, including sleep disturbances, social isolation, and mental health disorders, its impact on public health differs tremendously from that of smoking. Nonetheless, both issues warrant attention from policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities to mitigate their adverse effects.

  • The most fundamental distinction lies in the nature of the addiction itself. Cigarette addiction involves a physical dependence on nicotine, a powerful addictive substance found in tobacco. In contrast, problematic cellphone use revolves around behavioral patterns, such as excessive screen time, compulsive social media scrolling, or gaming addiction. While both can lead to less-than-desirable consequences, the underlying mechanisms differ significantly.

  • Cigarette addiction is characterized by a physiological reliance on nicotine, leading to withdrawal symptoms when consumption is reduced or discontinued. On the other hand, problematic cellphone use typically stems from psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or social pressures, driving individuals to seek refuge or stimulation through their devices. The absence of a chemical substance distinguishes cellphone use from substance addiction. 

  • Research indicates that substance addiction, such as nicotine dependence, alters neurological pathways in the brain, hijacking the reward system and reinforcing addictive behaviors – commonly known as the “dopamine loop”. While excessive cellphone use can also trigger neural responses associated with pleasure and reward, the mechanisms are not identical to those observed in substance addiction. (7)

  • While both cigarette addiction and problematic cellphone use can negatively impact individuals’ health and well-being, the approaches to treatment and intervention differ. Nicotine addiction often necessitates medical intervention, including pharmacological therapies and behavioral counseling, to manage withdrawal symptoms and support cessation efforts. In contrast, addressing problematic cellphone use may involve strategies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and establishing healthier screen habits.

While problematic cellphone use shares “some” colloquial similarities with cigarette addiction in terms of behavioral patterns and potential negative outcomes, they represent distinct attributes with different underlying mechanisms and implications. Recognizing these differences is essential for developing targeted interventions and support systems to address the unique challenges posed by each issue. By understanding the complexities of both behaviors, we can foster healthier relationships with technology and promote well-being in today’s onlife world with our kids.

Given what’s been mentioned, let’s shift our focus away from comparing cigarette addiction with problematic phone usage. Yes, both should be a concern, but there is a difference! Let’s enlighten and not frighten through facts not fear.

Digital Food For Thought

The White Hatter

References:

1/ https://www.thestar.com/business/smartphones-are-the-new-cigarettes-we-may-look-back-at-our-collective-addiction-in-disbelief/article_56891ac2-cc22-11ee-98ef-238635953c22.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=user-share

2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/does-technology-social-media-mental-health-issues-for-all-youth-we-need-to-reframe-the-question/

3/ https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-019-2350-x

4/ https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134762-000-we-arent-addicted-to-our-phones-and-we-dont-need-a-digital-detox/

5/ https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-019-2350-x

6/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8203830/7/https://thewhitehatter.ca/dopamine-facts-vs-fear/

7/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/dopamine-facts-vs-fear/

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