Previous research has examined the effects of addictive and problematic use of various activities that can be accomplished with the use of a smart device. For example, excessive use of the calling and texting features of mobile phones have been linked to depression, anxiety and stress. This suggested that individuals who send a large number of texts can develop “text message dependency”, becoming increasingly worried about why they have not instantly received a reply to their message, increased feelings of isolation or neglect and ultimately increased anxiety. In the past, computers were relatively immovable objects meaning that eventually the user would be forced to discontinue their current Internet session. With the development of smart-devices, users have the ability to be constantly connected to the Internet and freely roam the world without worrying about missing a thing.

• In a study conducted by Thomee, Harenstam and Hagberg, these men have linked excessive mobile phone use with sleep disturbance and muscular skeletal problems due to texting, factors which they suggest are contributing to the feelings of depression, anxiety and stress. The majority of their participants reported that they felt they were expected to be available around the clock, which increased feelings of stress.