Why fears over smartphone ‘addiction’ are based on flawed evidence

Researchers say fears over smartphone ‘addiction’ are based on flawed evidence. Surveys are often used to understand how people use their smartphone, but these are poorly related to actual smartphone use when measured with an app. This means that existing evidence suggesting that screen time is ‘addictive’ cannot be used to justify any change of policy. High smartphone usage has been linked to anxiety and depression but there is insufficient evidence to support these conclusions.