According to a new Stanford University study, iPhone users are becoming addicted to the devices.
The study surveyed 200 students and asked them to rate their addiction from one to five, from “not at all addicted” to “fully addicted.”
Here is a breakdown of the responses:
• Only 6 percent of students said they weren’t addicted; 10 percent said they were fully addicted.
• 34 percent gave themselves a 4 on the 5-point scale.
• 32 percent of those who reported not being completely addicted were worried they could become addicted.
• 85 percent use their iPhone as a watch; 89 percent use it as an alarm clock.
• 75 percent sleep next to their iPhone.
Many of the students reported their iPhone is like an extension of their bodies:
• 15 percent said their iPhone was turning them into a media addict.
• 25 percent said their iPhone was “dangerously alluring.”
• 30 percent said their iPhone was a “doorway into the world.”
• 41 percent said losing their iPhone would be “a tragedy.”
• 7 percent of students also reported their roommates or partners felt neglected because of their iPhone use, giving rise to the term “iPhone widow” for those who feel like they’ve lost someone to an iPhone.
There was also a small minority of students with a curious affection for their iPhones:
• 9 percent have petted their iPhone.
• 8 percent thought their iPod was jealous of their iPhone.
• 3 percent claimed they don’t let anyone touch their iPhone.
• Another 3 percent have named their iPhone.
Students also reported the iPhone had positive effects on them:
• 74 percent said their iPhone made them feel cool.
• 70 percent said their iPhone makes them more organized.
• 54 percent said it made them more productive.