Photo: E+
The Bobby Bones Show dives into a list of behaviors meant to reveal whether someone is addicted to their phone, and quickly, opinions start to differ.
Bobby immediately pushes back on the premise, insisting he is not addicted, even while admitting he loves his phone. As the first question comes up, whether anyone reaches for their phone before fully waking up, most claim they don’t. Amy explains it’s a boundary she's intentionally set, while Bobby clarifies that checking the phone for the time when the alarm goes off doesn’t count as scrolling. He noted he can even go feed the dogs before he checks his phone.
The conversation shifted to the feeling of panic when a phone goes missing. Everyone agrees on that one. It’s not about needing to scroll, but about losing something essential from maps, communication, to access to daily life. When asked about checking their phone even when there’s nothing new, several admit they do. For Bobby, it’s about staying updated on the news, primarily through Twitter, while he prefers TikTok for entertainment. Instagram falls lower on the priority list for him, while it’s Amy's go-to. Eddie stands out, claiming he doesn’t check his phone unless it buzzes. Bobby and Amy challenged him, pointing out moments like scrolling on the plane, where he admits exceptions apply.
The list continues, asking whether they use their phones to avoid uncomfortable situations. Bobby admits to faking phone calls to dodge real-life interactions, revealing a preference for FaceTime over traditional calls because it’s easier to read social cues. The group agrees that fake calls might not count as addiction, but more as social avoidance. When it comes to checking phones during conversations, most agree it’s rude. Bobby explains that past experiences, especially with his wife calling it out, have trained him to be more mindful and present.
The topic of documenting moments sparks more nuance. While Amy admits she used to over-document, she now prefers capturing short clips or a few photos before putting the phone away. The goal, they say, is to preserve memories without missing the actual experience. As the list digs deeper into behavior, the group reflects on reaching for their phones during moments of boredom or wandering thoughts. Bobby reframes it, explaining he uses his phone productively by storing ideas in their notes app, while Amy and Eddie acknowledge the tendency to use phones as a distraction. The concept of “raw dog boredom” comes up, sitting with no distractions at all. Bobby claims the shower is the only place for that kind of mental freedom, where he lets his mind wander without reaching for a device.
When asked directly, each insists they are not addicted... though not everyone in the room is convinced.