They Shorten Our Memories, Too

Eighty-seven per cent of people who use smartphones do not become addicted, according to a study by the University of Derby. Most participants in the survey said that their phones caused distraction from other aspects of their lives; much as, in the olden days, people were distracted by television, radio, newspapers, gossip, other human beings and even telephones. Although the authors of the study are not suggesting that addiction to smartphone use is the same as addiction to cigarettes or alcohol (viz. addiction), they do think smartphones can cause narcissism, except possibly in researchers from the University of Derby, because a third of participants in the survey admitted to believing they knew better than the authorities. The researchers believe that certain games should display health warnings to deter excess play, such as Warning! This game is highly addictive! You may end up playing for hours and it may cause you to neglect your other [sic] responsibilities! It is as yet unclear how many people at the University of Derby have nothing better to do.