Handy, but are they healthy?

Key Takeaways

Americans say phones are the No.

1 necessity in their lives, but some mental health experts advise us to put the screens away.

A parent with four children, all of them except the youngest using smartphones.

Elva Etienne / Getty Images

The online poll of over 1,000 US adults reveals the need to stay connected during the pandemic.

All Phones, All the Time

Putting down our phones may be a tough challenge.

Magavi knows firsthand the allure of the glowing screen.

A group of young adults standing in a circle, all looking at their smartphones.

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Shes had to set strict limits on her phone use.

Magavi puts her ringer on silent except for her favorites list, since she evaluates patients throughout the day.

“I believe everyone can achieve this peace with time and practice.”

Can You Be Addicted to a Phone?

Social media apps are feeding our phone addiction because they are designed to grab our attention, Selepak said.

Using your phone gives you a rush of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that contributes heavily to feelings of reward.