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WHAT IS SMARTPHONE ADDICTION?

The term 'smartphone addiction' has often been criticised in the scientific literature. 

Some experts argue the lack of severe negative consequences compared to other forms of addiction make the name misleading. 

Some say the issue isn't with the smartphone, but it is merely a medium to access social media and the internet. 

Alternative terms such as 'problematic smartphone use' and concepts have been proposed instead. 

Despite the controversy on the term 'smartphone addiction', as described above, it is still the prevailing term in the scientific world. 

Additionally, the psychometric instruments used in many studies explicitly refer to the concept of 'smartphone addiction'. 

In the upcoming years, a shift away from the term 'smartphone addiction' towards more appropriate terms, as discussed above, might be seen.     

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