Meet Baylor’s nationally recognized expert on cell phone addiction

A Baylor marketing professor since 1991, Dr. James Roberts has spent the majority of his professional career studying the “dark side” of consumer behavior — things like credit card debt, waste, money and possessions, and most recently, cell phone addiction.

When it comes to that last topic, Roberts quite literally wrote the book, having published Too Much of a Good Thing: Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone?, which covers how healthy technology use can turn destructive. One example: “phubbing,” a term Roberts popularized to describe the times when we snub the people we’re with in favor of our phones.

Roberts’ studies have caught the eye of both traditional and popular media outlets; his work has been cited by outlets ranging from CNN and The New York Times to Cosmopolitan and NBC’s Today show.

“Something as seemingly innocent as using a smartphone in the presence of a romantic partner undermined the quality of the relationship,” Roberts says. “This can create a domino effect: As our study also showed, when we’re not happily in love, we are also less likely to be satisfied, overall, with life. We’re also more likely to report that we are depressed.”

Roberts’ research and experience have given him great insight and wisdom to the world and technology. “Don’t trade a meaningful life for the momentary pleasures offered by your smartphone, “ Roberts advises. “In the end, it’s all about quality of life.”

Sic ’em, Dr. Roberts!