Apple urged by investors to explore smartphone addiction issues

Shareholders have expressed concerns in an open letter
Smartphone addiction: Apple is being urged by shareholders to explore the effects of prolonged gadget use
Justin Sullivan/Getty
Ben Travis8 January 2018

Apple is being urged by two major investors to explore the impact of smartphone addiction.

Two shareholders have penned an open letter to the tech giant, imploring it to research the long-term ramifications of smartphone usage.

The letter, from JANA Partners and Calstrs, particularly focuses on the impact on young tech users.

The investors collectively own a $2 billion stake in Apple.

“We believe there is a clear need for Apple to offer parents more choices and tools to help them ensure that young consumers are using your products in an optimal manner,” the letter reads.

“By doing so, we believe Apple would once again be playing a pioneering role, this time by setting an example about the obligations of technology companies to their youngest customers.

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“Imagine the goodwill Apple can generate with parents by partnering with them in this effort and with the next generation of customers by offering their parents more options to protect their health and well-being.”

The open letter cites research claiming that 78% of American teens check their phones every hour, 50% say they feel ‘addicted’ to their handsets, and that significant smartphone use has been linked to increased risk of suicide and depression.

It suggests that Apple could create a committee of experts, conduct research, enable new tools and options for parents, and educate users and parents on its findings.

Apple has not yet responded to the letter.

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