Cellphone Attachment

Seven hours of her time. Seven hours spent looking at Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. That is the typical amount of time that sophomore Bayleigh Holley spends on her cell phone, every single day.

Though it may seem like an extensive amount of time to some, it is actually just above the average of six hours for American teenagers who are becoming more glued to their phones every single day. Cell phones aren’t just a form of communication anymore, to some, they are a part of who they are.

“There would have to be a really good reason for me to hand over my phone,” said senior Colton Stallcup. “I freak out a little bit if it isn’t with me. It makes me feel very disconnected.”

71 percent of teens are on at least two types of social media and 92 percent check their social profiles daily, with the help of their smart phones. Even adults are guilty of becoming attached to their hand held technology.

“I’m awful,” said guidance counselor Brittany Bailey. “I can’t go anywhere without my phone because I feel like it is a part of me. Without it I don’t know what to do.”

Today, many people think it is difficult to feel connected to the world without their cellphones, while some use it to ward off boredom.

“I am not entertained by what goes on at school so I get on my phone,” Holley said.

Stallcup said that he doesn’t think he is really on his phone that much, but that he does it to avoid other people.

“I use it because other people are stupid and if I didn’t have my phone I would have to tell them how stupid they are,” Stallcup said.

Studies show that cell phones have now become essentially a part of the teen. Stallcup said without his phone he would “have to find something else to devote my time to.”