Do you spend lots of time on your device and wonder about signs you are addicted to your iPad? Our mobile devices make us happy. They are a convenient way to manage information. As the weather cools we spend a little more time indoors. This can mean that we have more time and opportunity to use our iPads. If you use your device lots (like me, with my hand raised, iPad in hand), then you might be interested in these funny little signs you are addicted to your iPad.
One of the best features of the iPad is the zoom-in/zoom-out function. If you have an iPad or other Apple touch screen device then you know how it works: double tap the screen to enlarge the area. The double-tap to zoom action allows you to focus in on certain areas. This is incredibly helpful on small screen devices. We do it without thinking about it. However, absentmindedly double-tapping real paper is one of the possible signs you are addicted to your iPad.
The person who designed the two finger zoom-in/zoom-out action is brilliant. Zoom into a photo or part of a page to have a closer look. When you are done just pinch the page to zoom out and move along. Done! It’s easy to do; so easy that we do it without thinking about it. However, pinching real paper to reduce text size or to zoom out from an image will seem a little strange. In fact, it is a little strange. We can’t pinch real paper to reduce text size or zoom out from the photo.
Have you seen the video of the baby that tries to swipe a magazine page but it doesn’t work? Yeah, that was probably me. Seeing the baby swipe at the page reminds us of the variety of learning tools available to people of all ages. It’s wonderful! However, if you are not a toddler and find yourself swiping at the page then I feel you. The touch screen familiarity seeps into your way of life so smoothly that you think every clear image has a touch function.
The iPad is a very handy portable device. It fits into almost everything from purses to backpacks, depending upon size, of course. We can take it everywhere and whip it out at every possible moment to play games, record notes, and take photographs. If your iPad is always on and in your hand then you may have a slight problem.
Do you have lots of apps on your iPad? Do you know the current top ten apps in the iTunes App Store? There are thousands of apps available for nearly everything you can imagine – and you’ve tried many of them. You desire an increasing number of downloads and have a good justification for each one. Perhaps you burn through apps at lightning speed in your quest for the perfect one. Not only do you download many apps but you also spend increasingly more time on your device. If this describes you, too, then you may be feeding a growing iPad addiction.
Our friends and family listen when we need them to and are patient when we need that as well. However, if people are waiting while you “check something” on your iPad then you may have a problem. When your iPad interferes with your ability to engage people and participate in events then it may be a bit of a problem. Put the iPad aside and focus on the people around you. The iPad will be there waiting for you later.
Consider this—if you're consistently the last to chime in on conversations or react to jokes because you're too busy swiping through your screen, you're likely missing out on meaningful moments. Real connections happen face-to-face, not from behind a screen. If you're finding it hard to remember the last time you enjoyed a meal without scrolling or managed to sit through a movie without checking notifications, it might be time for a digital detox. Take a moment to observe your surroundings and the people you care about. Engagement with them is far more rewarding than any virtual interaction.
Our last sign that you may be addicted to your iPad is one that I am totally guilty of: falling asleep with it! I read an enormous amount of material, everyday – much of it is data intensive. As we have mentioned earlier, the portability of the iPad is wonderful; we can take it nearly anywhere, even to bed. Sometimes we don’t mean to fall asleep clutching our device. If you feel yourself getting a little sleepy then put the iPad aside and get some rest. You just may sleep a little better and protect your screen from possible damage.
The iPad is only one of many portable touch screen devices that we love. Sometimes we love them so much that they seem to become part of us. These seven points are just a few silly signs of iPad addiction. If you spend most of your free time on your iPad then you just may be obsessed with it. Are you addicted to your iPad?
Resources: livescience.com; dailymail.co.uk