Cell phones aren’t just handy anymore—they’re constant companions. And for a lot of people, that connection is starting to feel a little… sticky.
Recent studies suggest Americans now check their phones roughly 140–160 times a day on average—more than once every 10 minutes during waking hours. And that “addicted” feeling? It’s still very real. Surveys in 2025 show that around 50% of Americans say they feel at least somewhat addicted to their phones, with younger users reporting it even more often.
What does that look like in everyday life? It might be picking up your phone without even thinking, scrolling longer than you planned, or feeling a little uneasy when it’s not within reach. A quick check can easily turn into 20 minutes. For others, it’s the habit of filling every quiet moment with a screen.
Smartphone ownership is nearly universal now—hovering around 90%+ of U.S. adults—and phones have become our maps, cameras, TVs, weather stations, and lifelines all rolled into one. For RVers especially, they can be essential tools on the road, helping you navigate, check campground reviews, monitor weather, or stay connected in remote places.
But here’s where it gets interesting… When you’re out RVing, do you find yourself using your phone more—or less? Some RVers say they unplug naturally once they’re surrounded by nature. Others say reliable internet (looking at you, Starlink) makes it easier than ever to stay glued to the screen, even in the middle of nowhere.
So what about you?
Do you feel like you’re on your phone more than you’d like to be? Or have you found a good balance—especially when you’re traveling?
Take a second to answer the poll below. And if you’ve noticed your habits change on the road versus at home, we’d really love to hear about it in the comments. Thanks for sharing!
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RVDT2891
You mean the electronic leash?
No more than I used my landline. It is just cheaper.
Unlike the rest of my family, I only use my phone to receive and make calls. I don’t text, tweet, like, follow, chat, or any of those other stupid things.
I use it a lot less when I’m RV’ing! 😍
I have zero addiction to my phone no more than I’m “addicted” to my fridge.
My fridge holds all my food that needs to be stored cold so it’s important to my lifestyle.
My phone stores a lot of my utilities like camera, maps, GasBuddy, insurance cards, reservations, music, and Bluetooth controls. Like my fridge, I don’t sleep next to it, take it everywhere I go or feel lost without it but yeah, I’d notice it if it were gone.
Interestingly, we were able to raise our sons without any cell phones, tablets, or even laptops without any major problems. Just a landline phone and phone booths! Amazingly, they turned to be mature, responsible adults with good jobs, great kids, and nice homes without constant communication/supervision using cell phones. Primitive? I guess, but we didn’t know any different waaay back in the 20th century!
I would say I am not addicted to my cell phone – half the time I don’t even know where it is or remember to take it with me. I only have it for emergency use. I have over 13,000 hours I could use up plus, I don’t even know how many GB or whatever they are!
My son gave me a cell phone for my birthday (88th). I am not sure how to use it, and as I write this comment I see it lying on the desk beside my always used land line.
I use mine for phone calls, but I prefer to use my landline. I had to learn to text when my mom was in the nursing home, to keep in touch with my siblings, so I still text them and my sons sometimes, but not a lot. The main reason I have it is for emergencies.
We also still have a landline. Very few people are privy to my cell number. I do use for texting, but not often. And I very seldom use it for browsing the internet. SMALL SCREEN!
That’s why I have a computer and tablet.
There are days that I do use it a lot. Trying to make camping reservations or ordering tickets to events or public transportation or parking. I have a habit of turning the ringer volume down or putting it on vibrate and then ignore it.
My cell phone doubles as my camera & a library. Much easier to tote around a cell phone than all the books I consume in a month. I don’t watch videos & can put it away unless I need to snap a picture.
I am not married to my cell phone. I leave it laying wherever, let it ring and not answer. I’ll check it later and call back when I want. Retirement means my time not theirs. Days I think it’s a direct line to he-double hockey sticks.