Smartphones are indeed a boon in today's world. However, there are some negative effects (BOTH PHYSIOLOGICAL and PSYCHOLOGICAL) that we need to consider so that we can use them more wisely and productively. So begin by making yourself aware and realise that your smartphone is just a device that you need to take control of, rather than it taking control of you. Find my article on how to STOP SMARTPHONE ADDICTION and INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY:
1] Excessive usage can damage your eyes.
Blue light, causes myopia/ near sightedness, more than 85% have myopia across asia. Besides this you can experience eye fatigue, blurred vision, eye sores and head aches.
2] Impacts Sleep
Reduces sleep by altering circadian rhythms and we end up reducing the amount of time spent in the stages of deep sleep, which increases the chances of physical illnesses like cancer, infertility and diabetes!
It also impacts melatonin which is needed to regulate your wake-sleep cycle. Cell phone addiction has been linked to an increase in sleep disorders and fatigue in users like insomnia and reduced sleep satisfaction.
3] Damages neck muscles
If you are constantly looking down, beware. This is the famous text-neck that comes as a consequence of neck pain from looking down at your phone for too long. This is only one of many postural problems that comes from using our phones or computers excessively.
Drooping shoulders and back pain can come as a consequence of this as well. If you are looking to correct this just push your sternum up and give yourself a reminder to do it now and then.
4] Brain Chemistry changes
Every little notification, every game that you play, or every time you swipe right, it releases dopamine which allows you to feel good. There’s a sense of novelty or newness associated with all this releases even more dopamine, which forces you to take part in a compulsive ritual.
This is the same addiction that you can associate with cigarettes or even drugs like cocaine. Because of these constant notifications, which makes it nearly impossible to ignore, forcing us to stay hooked on to our phones. This is why People are more likely to use smartphones because it means that they can avoid boredom.
5] The likelihood of you developing Anxiety and depression increases significantly.
Increased anxiety during down time has been observed in college students and working professionals. These tend to creep in when you don't give your brain the pleasure it needs or perform the behaviors on your phone that trick you into believing that everything is fine.
So when the notifications, online and offline games and interactions come to a stop, you'll start to see yourself getting more anxious because your brain has been deprived of dopamine. It can also lead to you feeling less satisfied. You also tend to become moody and snappy towards others. Nobody likes that!
6] Changes the way you think and reduces attention and concentration.
Alpha waves increase and gamma waves significantly reduce. So smart phones don’t make you smarter, just slower and dumber. People who text a lot or spend majority of their time on phones tend to show symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Many people believe that they can multitask and use their phones while driving, but this causes significant impairment and puts the driver and others on the road in danger. Research has revealed that texting and driving can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving.
7] It reduces your need to stay connected with others, especially in terms of having someone physically present around you.
You always happen to be connected with people! So why even bother trying connect with someone in real life, because now suddenly you need your space!
8] Your value tends to come down.
Over time, someone who is constantly available on their phone and on social media will be viewed as always available or jobless.
This is why most women like men who post information on their social media or send them a message occasionally versus someone who is constantly in their face and is clingy. It also shows that you don't really value time and you end up wasting it by staying glued to your phone.
9] Increased illnesses due to germs.
1 in 6 cell phones has faecal matter on it. E. coli bacteria, which can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea, is found on many phones. Phones have been found to be contaminated with MRSA. Causes painful abscesses, Life-threatening infections in bones, joints, surgical wounds, bloodstream, heart valves, and lungs.
10] Your stress levels increase when you use your phones, particularly if you use them for work.
Non stop use of smartphones outside the work place have been revealed to be far more stressed out compared to those who don’t do this. People have also been reported to experience very high levels of stress after losing their smart phones equal to that of losing a loved one!
Be weary, and beat smartphone addiction by making wise choices!
▶️ DTube
▶️ IPFS