Smart phones have become devices that many consumers are now reliant on, some to the point where – according to their partners – they are spending more time using their smart phone than with them.

It’s strange to think that five or so years ago many people had no idea what a smart phone was or that one day they would be exchanging their prized feature phone for something that was far more sophisticated, advanced, and futuristic. However, these days many people would be hard pressed to imagine life without their precious smart phones.

However, whilst these devices are obviously able to offer many benefits to users they could also be impacting negatively upon our lives – in some cases there is evidence to suggest that they could be having an adverse effect on relationships. A recent study has shown that one in eight people believe that their partner spends more time using their smart phone than they do with them.

The survey indicated that men tend to keep their smart phones with them around seventeen hours a day and one in five are said to sleep with their smart phones next to them. Women were found to carry their smart phones around with them for around fifteen hours a day with sixteen percent found to be sleeping with their phones next to them.

“The addiction to our phones is not just taking its toll on our social lives, but is also making us more susceptible to fraud and burglary. Many people seem to enter their own bubble when they pick up the phone and don’t look around to see who could be listening or watching what’s being typed. Homeowners should try to keep personal calls to the safety of their own home rather than in a public place so as not to reveal any sensitive information.”

Source – IT Pro Portal