Habitual Phone Checkers

When is the last time you checked your phone?

If you’ve got a smartphone, chances are it wasn’t that long ago. 34 times a day – that’s how many times the average person in a recent study checked it for messages, email, the time, or just because it’s there.

According to the authors of the study – most people don’t even realize they’re doing it. When we first set up a new phone, we get a little rush when that notification sounds. Our brains are almost instantly trained to like that – and before long it’s a reflex to reach for that phone. Here are some signs you’re a habitual checker:

• You check even if you haven’t heard a notification.

• You’re annoying other people.

• Other people comment on your checking.

• You feel anxiety or have to force yourself NOT to check.

If you are a habitual checker, you’re probably driving someone close to you nuts. Consider counting your phone checks for a day or two. For some people, just becoming aware of how often they reach for the phone is enough to curb the checking a bit.