Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Columbia (WACH)—Are people becoming addicted to cell phones?  Perhaps you can look the answer to that question up on your cell phone. 

The Nielsen 2010 Media Industry fact sheet reported that there are over 223 million cell phone users over the age of 13 in the United States, is small when compared to the 800 million subscribers in China.  Other statistical data included an AOL Pew Research Center study that indicated 52 percent of Americans keep there cell phone on at all times. 

Another interesting fact reported by Pew was that 13 percent of people pretend to take phone calls to avoid talking with another person, using it to avoid an uncomfortable situation.

Director of Pew Internet Lee Rainie says that as phones become more essential, measure measurements on the “societal impacts” are continuing to evolve.

With apps that will do everything from simple math to tabulate the right mixture needed to power a rocket, there is no surprise that people have become addicted to the instant access of information and communication.

Experts are saying that all the multitasking is creating new levels of stress, and suggest “unplugging” for a day once a week.  If that proves to be too much at first, researchers at Pew say start with an hour, or simply have adhere to the rule of “no cell phones at dinner.”

Are you addicted to the instant access and communication that your cell phone has created?  Leave a comment here, or on our Facebook page and tell us how you find ways to “unplug.”