In Spain, smartphones stopped being just for young people a long time ago. Today, almost everyone uses them, regardless of age. At family gatherings or among friends, phones are placed on the table next to utensils, and conversations are often interrupted to check messages or watch short videos. Even the older generation, who until recently were suspicious of new technology, are now keeping pace with the youth.
According to statistics, over 95% of Spaniards aged 65 to 74 use mobile phones, and three out of four go online daily. As a result, adults and seniors are becoming just as dependent on gadgets as teenagers. So when parents or grandparents ask children to cut down their screen time, their advice doesn’t sound convincing — since they can’t put down their own smartphones even during family dinners.
The impact of smartphones on society is becoming more pronounced. Spain has over 62 million mobile lines for a population of about 48 million. That means there’s more than one phone for every resident. Spaniards now spend an average of more than six and a half hours online every day. And it’s not just the young — adults are active on social media, messaging apps, and video platforms too. Artificial intelligence selects content for each user, keeping their attention and drawing them back to their screens again and again.
Smartphones and Society: New Challenges
The issue of gadget addiction is becoming increasingly apparent. In cafes, on the streets, on public transport—people of all ages are glued to their screens, often oblivious to what’s happening around them. This affects the quality of social interaction, reduces attention to others, and can even trigger conflicts within families. Many adults can no longer imagine a day without constant notifications, short videos, and news—which are often fake or exaggerated.
In some regions, authorities have already started taking action. For example, in Catalunya, the use of mobile phones is completely banned in schools and high schools. However, experts believe this isn’t enough—restrictions may also be needed in other public places, including nursing homes and senior clubs. After all, the problem is no longer limited to teenagers: now, it affects everyone.
Unchecked Technology: Risks for the Future
The mass fascination with smartphones brings profit to major tech companies, earning money from the time users spend online. But for society, it leads to a loss of real communication, diminished cognitive skills, and increased social isolation. Children and teenagers are especially vulnerable, but adults are affected too. Without action, gadget addiction could become one of the biggest problems of the coming years.
Spanish society faces a choice: either allow technology to fully dominate daily life, or learn to use it wisely without forgetting real human connection. For now, smartphones confidently continue to capture the attention of people of all ages, changing the habits and lifestyle of an entire nation.
