Is there really such a thing as smartphone addiction?

If until recently the use of smartphones was considered mostly harmless, or at least free of significant neurological consequences, today scientific research calls for more careful reflection. The idea that technology can interact with the brain in a "neutral" way—meaning without influencing its function or structure—is increasingly being questioned. One of the most debated aspects concerns the possible relationship between excessive smartphone use and changes in the brain—particularly in areas involved in addiction mechanisms. Two recent German studies highlight that in cases of abuse, smartphones can act in a way similar to substances like smoking or alcohol, producing changes observable not only in behavior but also in the brain's physical structure. Specifically, in subjects addicted to smartphones, researchers observed a reduction in gray matter volume, which is involved in essential functions such as memory, emotional control, attention, and decision-making ability. The study results also show that just three days away from smartphones can lead to significant changes in a person's brain activity.

To arrive at these findings, researchers conducted two experiments. The first involved twenty-five volunteers aged between 18 and 30 who were asked to use their smartphones only for essential communication over a 72-hour period. Afterwards, participants underwent MRI scans, which recorded significant changes in the transmission of signals between neurons, with positive effects on brain activity. During the second test, participants were shown images of common objects alongside photos of smartphones turned on and off. Researchers observed that when viewing images of smartphones, specific brain areas linked to reward and desire were activated, with an intensity comparable to that found in substance addictions.

These results suggest that the brain’s reaction to seeing a smartphone can evoke, at least partially, a feeling of impulsive desire similar to what is seen in many individuals suffering from drug addiction. This effect is amplified by the way many apps and social media platforms are designed—through notification systems, instant rewards, and continuous updates. The Italian National Institute of Health has already officially recognized smartphone abuse as one of the priority challenges for mental well-being, to the point that its first recommendation for 2025 addressed this issue directly. One suggested strategy is to create “smartphone-free zones” at home, such as the bedroom or dining table, to gradually learn how to disconnect. The ultimate goal, of course, is not to completely eliminate the device—which remains a useful and often necessary tool—but rather to encourage a more conscious and balanced use. Smartphone use is normalized, pervasive, and in most cases not perceived as problematic—until obvious consequences begin to appear.