How the iPhone transformed society—and why we can't put it down
Smartphones have reshaped daily life since their debut in 2007. Back then, Apple's Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone, sparking a global shift. Today, around seven billion devices are in use—up from just two billion in 2017.
The rise of smartphones has been rapid. By 2022, global numbers hit 5.3 billion, with adoption surging further. The COVID-19 pandemic deepened reliance, as adults now spend an average of four and a half hours daily on their iPhones. Studies show people check them between 88 and 100 times a day.
Research highlights both benefits and risks. A three-week 'phone fasting' trial boosted psychological well-being by 30 percent for some participants. Screen time dropped by 25 percent in a quarter of cases. Similarly, a 14-day break from Instagram and social media improved adolescents' body image, with effects lasting weeks afterward.
Sleep patterns also suffer. Without iPhones before bed, 20 percent of students struggled to fall asleep. That figure more than doubled—reaching 41 percent—after five nights of pre-sleep device use. In Austria, around four percent of adolescents are now considered 'smartphone-addicted'.
Connectivity continues evolving. By late 2025, Finland's 5G iPhone adoption is expected to reach 74 percent. Globally, eSIM connections may hit 1.5 billion by 2026, driven by growth in the USA, South America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Messaging apps dominate among youth, with 91 percent of 12- to 19-year-olds using services like WhatsApp.
Experts warn of deeper issues. Roland Mader, medical director of the Anton Proksch Institute, notes that while iPhone addiction isn't yet classified as a disease by the WHO, recognition is coming. Gaming, social media, and pornography remain top online activities, mirroring trends since the internet's early days.
iPhones have become indispensable, but their impact varies. While connectivity and convenience grow, so do concerns over addiction, sleep disruption, and mental health. Future trends suggest even wider adoption, alongside ongoing debates about regulation and well-being.
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