In today’s fast-paced world, smartphones have become integral to our daily routines. From the moment we wake up in the morning to the moment we fall asleep at night, these devices remain within arm’s reach, often providing a constant stream of notifications and information. As our dependency on smartphones grows, they are increasingly becoming an extension of our own body, leaving many of us struggling to part with them, even for short periods. With smartphones having a profound impact on our daily lives, a recent study has delved into how excessive smartphone use may actually be altering the chemistry of our brain, leading to changes in mood, behavior, and mental health.
The study, published in Computers in Human Behavior, involved a unique experiment to assess the effects of limiting smartphone use for a brief period. Researchers recruited a group of young adults, who were asked to reduce their smartphone usage to only essential tasks—such as work, daily activities, and staying in touch with family and loved ones—over the course of 72 hours. While this three-day smartphone restriction may seem relatively short, it provided an insightful look into how our brains respond when deprived of the constant stimulation smartphones offer.
Before embarking on the restriction period, participants were screened to ensure they didn’t have any existing mental health conditions. Additionally, they were assessed on their psychological, physical, and social issues related to smartphone use, including gaming. Researchers also gathered baseline data by having participants complete questionnaires regarding their mood, smartphone habits, and cravings. These initial assessments were followed by brain scans using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which allowed the researchers to observe the participants’ brain activity.
During the 72-hour restriction, participants were asked to avoid using their smartphones except for essential purposes. The restriction aimed to limit exposure to the constant barrage of notifications, social media updates, and other smartphone distractions that often trigger reward-seeking behaviors. After the restriction period ended, participants underwent another round of brain scans while being shown three different sets of images: neutral scenes (such as tranquil landscapes and boats), smartphones that were turned on, and smartphones that were turned off.
The results from these brain scans were revealing. Researchers observed significant changes in brain activity, particularly in areas associated with reward processing and craving. These areas are typically activated when individuals experience pleasure or seek out a rewarding experience, and they are also heavily involved in addiction mechanisms. The changes in brain activity observed in the participants were strikingly similar to those seen in individuals undergoing withdrawal from addictive substances like alcohol or drugs.
Interestingly, these changes were noticeable not only in participants with a history of excessive smartphone use (referred to as excessive smartphone use, or ESU) but also in those who used their smartphones more moderately. This suggests that the withdrawal-like response to smartphone deprivation may affect people at all levels of usage, even those who wouldn’t necessarily be considered heavy users.
Dopamine and serotonin, two key neurotransmitters in the brain, played a central role in the observed brain activity shifts. These chemicals are critical in regulating mood, emotions, and the brain’s reward system. Dopamine, in particular, is often linked to pleasure, motivation, and addiction. A surge in dopamine can occur when we engage in activities that provide immediate gratification, such as receiving likes on a social media post or checking messages on a smartphone. Meanwhile, serotonin is involved in mood regulation and feelings of well-being, and imbalances in serotonin levels have been associated with various mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
The researchers’ findings suggest that the act of restricting smartphone use can result in significant changes in these key neurotransmitters, making it clear that smartphones are not merely tools for communication and entertainment but can also have a physiological impact on the brain’s chemistry. This discovery raises questions about the potential for smartphones to contribute to unhealthy patterns of behavior, such as addiction, that can affect both our mental and physical well-being.
The concept of “smartphone addiction” has been a topic of ongoing debate in psychological and neuroscientific circles. Some experts have cautioned against using this term, arguing that it may oversimplify the complex emotional, mental, and social aspects tied to smartphone overuse. Unlike traditional addictions to substances like alcohol or drugs, smartphone addiction may not involve physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms in the same way. Nevertheless, the growing body of research on excessive smartphone use (ESU) highlights the detrimental effects it can have on mental health, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, and its ability to foster addictive-like behaviors.
The notion of “smartphone addiction” has, however, gained increasing attention due to its potential impact on younger generations. As smartphones become ubiquitous in daily life, young adults are particularly susceptible to developing unhealthy relationships with these devices. Many teenagers and young adults experience feelings of anxiety or stress when they are separated from their smartphones for extended periods. This phenomenon is known as “nomophobia” (no-mobile-phone phobia), and it reflects the growing dependence on smartphones as an essential part of social and emotional well-being.
The results of this study suggest that the effects of smartphone deprivation can be quite profound. For individuals who already struggle with ESU, reducing smartphone use may trigger a withdrawal response that mimics those seen in substance addiction. However, the study also shows that even those with more moderate smartphone habits experience changes in brain chemistry, indicating that limiting smartphone usage may affect a broader spectrum of people than previously thought. The idea that smartphones can evoke an addiction-like response in the brain is becoming more accepted, especially as research continues to explore the extent of their impact on our mental health.
The study’s findings highlight the need for individuals to develop healthier smartphone habits. As smartphones continue to be a part of daily life, it becomes increasingly important to establish boundaries that allow for a balanced relationship with technology. Limiting the time spent on smartphones, particularly for non-essential activities such as social media scrolling or mindless browsing, may help reduce the brain’s craving responses and mitigate the potential negative effects on mental health. In particular, reducing smartphone usage before bedtime can improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted by the blue light emitted by screens.
Experts suggest that building healthier digital routines involves creating designated times for smartphone use, setting boundaries for screen time, and engaging in offline activities that foster social connections, creativity, and physical movement. By taking a more mindful approach to smartphone use, individuals can help counteract the potential adverse effects on brain chemistry and improve their overall well-being.
The growing concern surrounding excessive smartphone use also calls for broader societal changes. As smartphones are designed to keep users engaged and returning to their screens through notifications, apps, and other features, there is a growing responsibility for technology companies to consider the impact of their products on users’ mental health. Some companies are already taking steps to introduce features like screen time trackers, app usage limits, and mindfulness reminders to help users manage their digital consumption. However, as research continues to shed light on the potential risks of smartphone addiction, further efforts will be necessary to promote healthier digital experiences.
More information: Mike M. Schmitgen et al, Effects of smartphone restriction on cue-related neural activity, Computers in Human Behavior (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108610