The smartphone has become an indispensable tool in our daily lives — a means of communication, work, entertainment, and instant access to information anytime, anywhere. Yet, as our dependence on these devices grows, a troubling phenomenon has emerged: “smartphone addiction.”
This addiction refers to compulsive and excessive phone use that negatively impacts young people’s mental health, daily behavior, social relationships, and ability to focus.
Among youth, smartphones have gone far beyond their traditional role as communication tools. They’ve become an escape from reality — a constant source of notifications and stimuli that fragment attention and weaken real-life interaction. Psychologists and social researchers are increasingly highlighting the negative effects of this addiction, especially its impact on the quality of personal relationships, whether between couples, friends, or family members, as well as its link to decreased concentration, mental fatigue, and lower productivity.
In an interview with Nadormagazine, Dr. Emmanuelle Awad, university professor and psychology expert, explains the effects of smartphone addiction on focus and social connections — and offers practical advice to help manage it.
Constant Alerts and the Decline of Focus
Dr. Awad confirms that excessive smartphone use is now one of the main causes of attention deficit among young people.
“With continuous phone use, the brain stays in a constant state of alert, waiting for notifications,” she says. “Each time we hear a sound or see a flash on the screen, we instinctively reach for the phone — even if we’re in the middle of a task that requires full concentration.”
She adds:
“The problem goes further. The rise of short-form content — like TikTok and Reels — has conditioned us to consume 15–30 second clips, often at double speed. The brain has adapted to this rapid pattern of input, shortening our attention span and weakening our ability to focus deeply over time.”
Sleep and Concentration Disruptions
According to Dr. Awad, smartphone use doesn’t just affect concentration — it also disrupts sleep quality:
“Using the phone before bedtime negatively impacts sleep in several ways. The blue light emitted from screens suppresses melatonin production — the hormone that regulates sleep — while stimulating content keeps the brain active, making it harder to fall asleep.”
She emphasizes that poor or insufficient sleep directly reduces mental performance and alertness the next day.
Impact on Emotional and Social Relationships
“We now live in a state of constant connection to our phones, even when we’re physically with our partners, friends, or family,” says Dr. Awad. “This leads to what’s known as emotional neglect — when someone feels unseen or unimportant because our attention is directed toward the screen rather than the person in front of us.”
She adds:
“Keeping the phone on the table during meals or checking it during conversations disconnects us from the moment and weakens authentic communication. Over time, this habit erodes emotional closeness and intimacy — one of the greatest threats to modern relationships.”
Practical Tips to Reduce Smartphone Dependence
Dr. Awad shares several practical strategies that can help young people regain focus and improve their relationships:
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Set “Phone-Free” Time:Dedicate at least one hour a day without your phone — for example, during family meals. This helps rebuild social and emotional connections.
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Enable “Do Not Disturb” Mode:Schedule distraction-free periods, such as an hour before bedtime or during focused work, to avoid constant notifications.
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Avoid Phone Use Before Sleep:Experts recommend avoiding phone screens for at least an hour before sleeping to help the brain unwind. Blue light disrupts sleep quality and cycles.
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Use Apps to Limit Screen Time:Several apps track your phone use and can alert you when you exceed a set limit — or even block access after a certain time.
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Seek Professional Help if Needed:If these strategies don’t help and you feel unable to control your phone use, it’s best to consult a mental health specialist for personalized support.
Dr. Awad concludes:
“Smartphones are valuable tools — but they become harmful when we lose control of them. The issue isn’t the device itself, but how we interact with it. Balance is the key.”
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