Smartphone addiction is driven by the fact that peers are simultaneously using these devices, creating a collective action trap that necessitates group efforts to resolve.

“The reason every 13-year-old girl has to be on Instagram is because every other 13-year-old girl is on Instagram. My college students say the same thing. They can't get off because everyone else is on.”

Smartphone use is a genuine addiction that significantly erodes mental health, cognitive function, and the ability to maintain deep personal relationships.

“it's an addiction for sure and it can have very very negative effects.”

Smartphone addiction is a legitimate, serious condition that shares characteristics with substance abuse and requires admitting powerlessness to begin recovery.

“The definition of addiction is the inability to control a behavior despite negative consequences. Uh characterized by a compulsive need to engage in the behavior irrespective of important life priorities. I mean, come on. Like, this is this is what we're doing.”