Table of Contents
An opening
Smartphone Addiction: Symptoms and Signs
Impact of Smartphone Addiction
Physical Health
Psychological Health
Social Health Impacts
To summarize,
This is an introduction.
“Mobile phone abuse” or “problems associated with mobile phone use”, are both terms used to describe a similar phenomenon. Individuals become so focused on their Smartphones they ignore other aspects in life. These addictions are commonly described using the terms “mobile” or “Smartphone”.
The use of mobile phones is so deeply ingrained in the behavior of young people that it can interfere with their daily activities. This essay aims to determine how much smart phone use is among teens and the emotional and physical effects of smartphone usage. Mobile phones are becoming more popular than fixed telephones. Cell phones are a vital part of many people’s lives today. Around 4.5 billion cell phones are used worldwide. Cell phones are more of a necessity than a luxury for them. Signs and Symptoms Of Smartphone AddictionThe cell phone is a necessity to them, not a luxury.
Smartphones are the most popular gadgets among our technology. The newer devices have many other features than just calling (internet, music, computer games etc.). The youth is spending an increasing amount time on smartphones.
Smartphones have become popular as they are capable of more processing than other mobile phones. They can also be used to access the internet, navigate, and use multimedia. Smartphones are now used by more people than ever before.
Smartphone addiction could be similar in many ways to the addiction to internet and mobile phones. There has been a report that Smartphone addiction rates are 8.40%.
There is evidence that suggests excessive use of mobile phones can worsen or cause health problems. The germs on our phones are spread everywhere. Since people are using their mobile phone in different situations and locations, it is likely that they will transfer from place to place. One in six cell phone contaminated in 2011 by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Queen Mary. According to further examination, some phones with fecal matters also harboured dangerous bacteria, including E. coli. These bacteria can cause vomiting, fever and diarrhea.
Impacts on Psychological HealthThere have been concerns about the fact that some users of mobile phones incur substantial debts and that they are using their mobile phones to harass and violate others’ privacy. Children are increasingly using their mobile phones as a bullying tool.
Many studies have been carried out on the effects of mobile phones on social communication and human psychology. Users may experience sleep disturbances, stress and symptoms such as depression when using mobile phones, particularly young adults.
Increased loneliness, depression:
It may appear that you will feel better if you lose yourself on the internet, but it could actually make your feelings worse. According to a study conducted in 2014, social media usage was associated with anxiety and depression. Social media users, particularly teens, often compare themselves negatively with their peers, leading to feelings of depression and loneliness.
Feeling anxious:
A researcher discovered that just the presence of a mobile phone at work tends to increase anxiety and make people perform worse on certain tasks. The more a person uses their phone, the more anxious they become.
Stress:
When you use a Smartphone to work, it can affect your personal and home life. The pressure is on to be always available and in constant contact with your work. This constant need for email to be checked and responded to can lead to stress and burnout. Exacerbating attention deficit disorders.
Disturbing your sleep:
Smartphone usage can seriously impact your mental well-being. This can reduce your learning and cognitive skills, as well as affect your memory.
Encourage self-absorption
In a UK survey, it was found that those who spend much time on social media tend to have negative personality traits. Narcissism is one of them. A study in the UK found that people who spend a lot of time on social media are more likely to display negative personality traits such as narcissism.
Impacts on the Social HealthMobile phones have a huge impact on society today from a sociological perspective. Lisa Merlo, a clinical psychologist, says that some patients pretend to be on the phone to avoid eye contact at parties or to avoid other social interactions.
Gazelle conducted a study in which “more than 25 percent of respondents stated that they used their Smartphones ‘almost all the time’ when socializing with others, like at a party or a meal. 58% reported that they used their Smartphone ‘usually’ and ‘occasionally,’ when in social settings.
70% of smartphone users check their phone within the first hour after getting up.
56% of people check their phone before bed
The weekend is the time when 48% of Americans check their mobile phones.
51% of vacationers check their mobile phones constantly
44% felt very anxious or irritable if there was no interaction with their phone in a given week.
Sherry Türle observed the same change in communication style between face-to-face and text-based conversations. Her research cites the importance of connectivity in triggering social behavior shifts regarding communication.
ConclusionNew technology can bring both blessings and curses. Mobile phones are a great way to bring people together and allow them to do educational, social and recreational activities. However, unrestricted mobile phone use can cause dependency. Addiction to smart phones or mobile phones can cause a variety of physical, mental and social health issues. It is evident that they are unable to function properly, whether the device is present or not. This is a sign of abuse. As psychologists, we must ensure that mobile devices do not become a dependency. We should also help those showing signs of dependence and addiction to throw off their phones and harness them to achieve their potential. After the research, the researcher gave some advice to adolescents on how to deal with mobile phone and smart phone addiction.
