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In today’s digital age, smartphones have become a crucial part of our daily routines. We use them to stay connected with our friends and loved ones, stay up to date with news and current events, and even to manage finances. However, recent studies have shown that excessive use of smartphones can lead to mental health disorders.

According to a new study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health, there is a clear link between smartphone use and increased risk of mental health disorders. The study surveyed over 1,000 people across various age groups and found that individuals who used their smartphones for extended periods reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression relative to those who did not use their smartphones as frequently.

The research team used several established measurements to gauge mental health disorders, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). They found that those who reported using their smartphones for prolonged periods showed a significant increase in symptoms of stress and depression, compared to those who used their smartphones less frequently.

The study’s findings highlight the need to address smartphone usage habits and their impact on mental health seriously. Over the last decade, smartphones have become much more accessible, and their use has surged across all ages. However, while smartphones offer many benefits in our lives, they also have the potential to cause harm.

One of the reasons behind the study’s findings is the constant stimulation that smartphones provide, making it tough for individuals to disconnect from the device. According to Dr. Kevin Kip, the lead author behind the study, “We live in an age of information overload, and our smartphones are contributing to this problem by providing a constant stream of information, updates, and notifications.”

Moreover, the researchers discovered that excessive smartphone use was associated with increased levels of self-reported loneliness. This finding is in line with previous studies, which have established a link between social isolation and reduced well-being. In other words, the more time we spend on our smartphones, the less time we spend interacting with others, leading to a reduced sense of social connectedness.

A separate study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that addictive behavior towards mobile devices and smartphones is prevalent among young adults. The study surveyed over 700 undergraduate students from a university in the Northeast US and found that 60% of respondents displayed signs of problematic smartphone use.

While many young people are getting hooked on their smartphones, they are not the only ones affected. Since the Pew Research Center’s findings, smartphone adoption has continued to grow, with the vast majority of Americans now owning a smartphone. However, the impact of this widespread phone use has not yet been fully understood.

Possible explanations for the negative effects of smartphone use on mental health include the light emitted by the devices. In a recent study by Harvard scientists, it was discovered that the blue light emitted by smartphone screens can inhibit the body’s natural production of melatonin, leading to insomnia, depression, and other related disorders. In the study, participants who read on an iPad prior to bedtime took longer to fall asleep, had lower levels of melatonin, and reported feeling less rested in the morning. The findings suggest that exposure to blue light at night can disrupt the body’s natural sleep rhythms, leading to a host of negative consequences.

Another possible explanation for the negative impact of smartphone use on mental health is the way that social media platforms amplify anxiety and depressive thoughts. Individuals who spend a lot of time on social media are often exposed to curated images and posts that can create unrealistic comparisons and lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found a direct correlation between social media use and depression and anxiety symptoms in young adults.

With the rise of smartphones and their impact on mental health, several tech companies have developed tools and features intended to help users manage their screen time. For example, Apple’s “Screen Time” feature allows users to set app limits and see how much time they are spending on their devices. Similarly, Google’s “Digital Wellbeing” app allows users to track their screen time and set limits on apps that are causing the most distraction.

The negative effects of smartphone use on mental health cannot be ignored, but there are steps that individuals can take to mitigate these risks. Some strategies include limiting screen time, turning off notifications, and setting aside designated periods for answering emails and phone calls. Additionally, prioritizing time with friends and family in person can help counteract feelings of social isolation and loneliness.

In conclusion, while smartphones provide undeniable benefits, such as easy access to information and the ability to stay connected with loved ones, excessive use can lead to negative consequences, including impaired mental health. It is essential that individuals take steps to manage their smartphone usage and prioritize their well-being. As a society, we must continue to evaluate the impact of smartphones and technology on our lives and take proactive steps to ensure that their use is healthy and sustainable.

Sources:

Anderson, M., & Jiang, J. (2018). Smartphone Ownership Is Growing Rapidly Around the World, but Not Always Equally. Pew Research Center.

Hatori, M., Gronfier, C., Van Gelder, R. N., Bernstein, P. S., Carreras, J., Panda, S., & Marks, F. (2017). Global rise of potential health hazards caused by blue light-induced circadian disruption in modern aging societies. NPJ aging and mechanisms of disease, 3(1), 1–7.

Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Sorbring, E., Treneman-Evans, G., le Grange, P., & Lagerborg, K. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: the impact of Facebook on young women’s body image concerns and mood. Body image, 13, 38–45.

Lin, L. Y., Sidani, J. E., Shensa, A., Radovic, A., Miller, E., Colditz, J. B., … & Primack, B. A. (2018). Association between social media use and depression among US young adults. Depression and anxiety, 35(9), 778–788.

Taylor, K. (2018). Blue light from electronic devices can disrupt sleep, study suggests. Harvard Health Publishing.

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Original story (created by me) published on Medium.com. Any changes and/or updates that have been added on Vocal.media are for content consumption purposes.

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