Taking a closer look at cell phone addiction

Most people can't even leave their homes without their phones, so what's the downside to that dependence?

Shannon Clark has a problem.

“I check my cell phone like every 2 or 3 minutes,” she said.

Like many young people, her cell phone basically rules her life.

Cell phones: we sit with them, we drive with them, we eat with them, we sleep with them and we depend on them.

It's not a formal medical diagnosis, yet, but let's be honest: it's a problem.

Researchers say you're in trouble if you exhibit the following symptoms.

-using a phone when dangerous, like texting while driving
-deceiving others about the amount of time you're on your phone
-letting phone use affect relationships, school or your job

So, what to do? The key word, like with most things in life that you over do, is moderation. Put your cell phone away for a few minutes.

Cell phones of course can do wonderful things, but the key to remember is that it's a tool for life and not your life.