Smartphones as a new form of addiction: Heidelberg University scientists confirm the phenomenon
Scientists from Heidelberg University conducted a 72-hour experiment proving that smartphones can induce addiction similar to drugs. The study involved 25 active smartphone users aged 18 to 30, who nearly completely abstained from their devices for three days, limiting usage to essential calls and work only.
During the experiment, researchers showed participants images of switched-on smartphones alongside neutral objects to measure brain responses using methods comparable to those applied in drug and alcohol addiction studies. Within three days, participants’ brains exhibited altered responses to smartphone images, especially in the nucleus accumbens and anterior cingulate cortex — areas responsible for reward processing and self-control.
Additionally, decreased activity was observed in the middle frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex, regions involved in emotional regulation and movement control. These findings confirm that smartphone addiction has a neurophysiological basis.
