By Yemisi Suleiman

In an age where smartphones have become extensions of ourselves, a recent incident involving Nigeria’s Ibom Air and a female passenger has sparked widespread debate about the growing addiction to phone usage.

The viral video shows the woman being forcibly removed from the aircraft after allegedly refusing to switch off her phone before takeoff.

The incident has sparked outrage, debates, and a flurry of questions. Why would someone jeopardize their safety, and that of over a hundred other passengers, over a mobile phone? Could she not live without her device for the brief time the aircraft would be airborne? Or was it something deeper, an addiction?

For many, her behaviour wasn’t all that surprising. Smartphones have become our constant companions. They wake us up in the morning, navigate our roads, capture our moments, feed us news, entertain us, and often, sadly, lull us to sleep. But the dependency has gone from useful to compulsive.

“I check my phone over 300 times a day. I don’t even realize it anymore, it’s like blinking,” says Ayomide James, a freelance graphic designer in Lagos. “When I’m without it, I feel naked, like something’s missing.”

Ayomide admits that even in the bathroom, while showering, she keeps her phone on a shelf close by so she can respond to notifications as soon as she steps out. “Sometimes, I don’t even need to do anything important. I just scroll.” She’s not alone.
“I can’t sleep without watching TikTok videos for at least 45 minutes,” says Peace Umeadi, a University of Lagos undergraduate. “Sometimes I get so lost, I look up and it’s 3am. And I have class by 7am.”

These compulsive behaviours have real consequences, from sleep deprivation, reduced attention span, and poor academic performance to increased anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, conflict with the law.

Digital Dependency

Experts now refer to a phenomenon called “nomophobia” the fear of being without a mobile phone. And it’s no longer an obscure psychological condition. According to a 2024 survey by a Lagos-based digital wellness organisation, Digital Detox NG, over 68% of Nigerian youths experience anxiety when separated from their phones for more than an hour.
But Why Are We So Addicted?
Experts say Smartphones, by design, are engineered to hook us. Every ping, like, and message triggers dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, similar to what gamblers feel in casinos.

Social media platforms, in particular, are designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible. Endless scrolling, autoplay videos, and tailored content create an immersive world that’s hard to step away from.

“I tell myself I’ll just check WhatsApp and next thing I know, I’m reading gossip on Instagram,” says Bolu Adeyemi, a banker. “It’s like the phone swallows time.”

The case of Ada, a marketing executive from Lagos is not different . “I check my phone every few minutes,” she admits. “If I forget it at home, I feel lost, like I’m missing out on something important.”

The Consequences of Overdependence

Excessive phone use has been linked to sleep disturbances, reduced productivity, impaired social interactions, and even mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. In the context of air travel, ignoring safety instructions due to phone attachment can pose serious risks.
Unfortunately, airlines and other service providers face challenges balancing safety protocols with customer service, especially when passengers resist compliance.

Overcoming this Challenge

Addressing the growing problem of phone addiction requires a multifaceted approach. Dr. Emeka Okafor, a medical doctor specialising in behavioural health, emphasises, “Smartphone addiction is not just a habit; it’s a psychological dependency that affects many aspects of our lives.”
To overcome this challenge start by having a digital detox, by unplugging your phone to help break the cycle of constant connectivity.
Set clear boundaries by designating phone-free times and spaces, such as during meals, meetings, or flights, to foster more mindful usage. “Creating intentional breaks from our devices allows the brain to rest and helps rebuild real-world connections,” Dr. Okafor explains.
Embrace technological solutions especially apps designed to monitor and limit screen time, can assist users in managing their phone habits more effectively.
Where the addiction is more severe and phone use interferes with daily functions, counseling and therapy services are advised.

The Ibom Air incident serves as a stark reminder of how deeply intertwined our lives have become with our phones.
While technology undoubtedly offers incredible benefits, unchecked addiction can lead to personal distress and public disturbances. As society grapples with this digital dilemma, it is imperative to cultivate healthier habits that allow us to enjoy the advantages of connectivity without becoming prisoners to our devices.