The article highlights a growing societal issue in Brazil regarding elderly individuals becoming addicted to their cell phones, particularly through platforms like TikTok. One striking case involves a 70-year-old man who arrived at a tech dependency clinic suffering from depression after losing significant amounts of money on virtual gifts to influencers. This addiction is often overlooked, especially as discussions tend to focus on younger generations, yet the trend among older adults is increasingly alarming.

Statistics from Brazil reveal that smartphone usage is widespread among older adults, with 81% of individuals aged 60 to 69 owning a mobile phone, and the numbers drop slightly for older age groups. The figures indicate a socioeconomic disparity, as individuals from higher social classes are more likely to own smartphones. This access to technology has made it easier for elderly users to fall into patterns of excessive screen time, which can detract from real-life social interactions and lead to mental health issues, as evidenced by personal accounts like that of the man who lost money.

The article serves as a wake-up call for families and health professionals to recognize and address the risks posed by excessive smartphone use in older populations. While many might associate technological dependency with the young, this article underscores the urgent need to focus on the elderly demographic, highlighting that the impacts of digital addiction can be equally damaging, warranting further research and effective intervention strategies to help mitigate these challenges.