Smartphone addiction is making us dumber

SMARTPHONE owners — stop! Do you ever find yourself doing a U-turn and driving back home because you left your device on the kitchen table?

Have you ever experienced a range of emotions from mild dismay to fully adrenalised panic surges when you are away from home and your screen flashes up the ‘low battery’ sign?

When in a situation where the use of smartphones is socially unacceptable — theatres, funerals, during sex — do you find yourself sneakily checking your phone inside your handbag / under your coat / over your lover’s shoulder?