Jeff JarvisJan 3, 2024

"There is no standard diagnosis for ‘phone addiction’," says the Guardian. Yeah, because it doesn't fucking exist. Bullshit #MoralPanic.

Everyone is on their phones. But is it really phone addiction we’re experiencing? https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/ng-interactive/2024/jan/03/what-is-phone-addiction-definition-science-debate?CMP=share_btn_tw

Everyone is on their phones. But is it really phone addiction we’re experiencing?

There is no standard diagnosis for ‘phone addiction’, and a debate rages about whether there should be. But will medicalizing a behavior help or harm those suffering from it?

The Guardian
Show threadJeff JarvisJan 3, 2024
It's #MoralPanic Day at the Guardian. More:
Beware the ‘botshit’: why generative AI is such a real and imminent threat to the way we live
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/03/botshit-generative-ai-imminent-threat-democracy
Beware the ‘botshit’: why generative AI is such a real and imminent threat to the way we live

Unless checks are put in place, citizens and voters may soon face AI-generated content that bears no relation to reality, says author André Spicer

The Guardian
Show threadScott JensonJan 3, 2024

@jeffjarvis I'm totally with you on the #MoralPanic silliness. But I studied phone over usage for Google and there is *clearly* a problem with people being sucked into their phones and wasting far too much time (mostly due to manipulative app designs) People feel horrible about wasted time and would like alternatives.

But this goes beyond just scrolling, people obsess over notifications, not wanting to miss the chance to reply in time. Friendships have been lost over is (remarkably)

Show threadJeff JarvisJan 3, 2024
@scottjenson
"Wasting time" is your value judgment. The same has been said of novels, books, newspapers, television, music....
Show threadChris JohnsonJan 3, 2024
@jeffjarvis @scottjenson And often what I’m doing when I’m staring at my phone is reading novels, books, newspapers…
Show threadJeff Jarvis
@captainslim @scottjenson
Yes, or talking with actual PEOPLE.
Jan 3, 2024 at 10:41pmWeb