In this era where we own every smartphone regardless of our age, we often ignore the fact that it has become a dependency. Reliance on smartphones simply means excessive use of smartphones. Just from the moment, you wake up until the moment you go to bed again, you’ll need to check your smartphone all the time. It is also known as Nomophobia is afraid to be without a mobile phone device.
The urge and the thought of selling my old phone and switching to another one have increased more than ever. Researchers at Virgin Mobile have found that there are about 3.8 billion smartphone users worldwide.
As we know, smartphones have become an essential component of our lives and benefits. Yet we cannot ignore the fact that the heavy use of this device can have negative effects on our health as well as the environment. According to Google researchers, the use of mobile phones has increased since 2004. It was in full swing even after the launch of smartphones and smart features.
Having a smartphone can make life easy because it makes many things accessible from the inside. The mobile phone is a device that contains many things like a camera, notepad, storage space, and so forth. This is the technology that the smartphone carries and delivers.
What are the negative effects of smartphone addiction?
There are many negative effects of smartphone addiction. You might notice how irritating your phone is not around or go for mobile repairing. It is one of the newest forms of addiction that needs attention. However, it is often known as a psychiatric condition. This is declared a behavioural addiction by medical professionals and researchers in many places.
Whether it is about clicking a picture, noting down something, sending emails, or even scrolling through our social media platforms.
Many researchers also Mention, that uncontrolled usage of smartphones can also get us addicted just like drugs or gambling. This might be a huge word to say but yes in the long run it is going to affect your health both mentally and physically.
Watching the mobile phone all day can strain your eyes because of the light coming from the display of a smartphone. Also, there is no mental space for peace of mind if you continuously keep on staring at some of the other content on your smartphone.
Other adverse effects that could enter into your observation through telephone addiction are lack of sleep and lower levels of concentration.
It also blocks your natural creativity, it will create anxiety in the user over time, reduce cognitive behaviour stress and pressure, loneliness and insecurity can result in psychological disorders.
Other hazardous physical problems that a user can face through smartphone addiction As mentioned below-
- GABA dysfunction
GABA dysfunction is a brain-related problem. Overuse of a smartphone can lead to certain changes in the circuits of the brain chemical. GABA is a primary neurotransmitter affected because of the chronic use of smartphones. This neurotransmitter has the functioning of producing a calming effect in our brains. Gaba is responsible for controlling the fear of anxiety chemicals in our brain. It plays a significant role in addiction and behavioural problems as it is in forces addictive behaviours.
- Researchers also stated that excessive use of smartphones can increase or decrease and play with the Gaba production in our brain.
- The proper distribution of this chemical in the brain will not be possible if tempered. Certain types of disturbances to Gaba can be a warning sign of addiction to certain objects.
- Many researchers also said that heavy use of smartphones or other electronic devices can disrupt the proper ratio of Gaba neurotransmitters in the brain.
- Many teenagers face this problem and suffer from cognitive behavioural therapy for the disorder. The brain chemicals can revert depending on the type of usage.
2. Decrease grey matter in the brain
Grey matter in which in the brain helps to connect to the part of the central nervous system. Is the chemical responsible for controlling movements, memory, and other types of emotion? Numerous studies also call into question the fact that excessive use of smartphones can also change the brain and its problem in a person’s brain. Many researchers stated that the physical shape and size of the brains can also differ. Individuals develop problems relating to Grey matter as it can decrease in the brains of those addicted to the smartphone.
What are the signs and symptoms of smartphone addiction?
You must know how dependent you are on your smartphone today. While you give away your mobile phone for doorstep repair service, you will need to have another smartphone for that period. We must understand and maintain a fine line between the healthy and unhealthy usage of a smartphone. Some of the signs which might be small yet proved as symptoms of phone addiction are mentioned below.
- Heavy usage of smartphones and screen time.
- Procrastinating in work completion.
- Spending time alone with your smartphone rather than with your loved ones.
- Check a smartphone right after you wake up and before going to bed at night.
- Looking into your phone right at the moment you are alone.
- Having a fear of missing out without your smartphone.
- Thinking that your phone just vibrate but it did not.
- Need to look into your smartphone or any other device while your smartphone is not around you.
How can you prevent the smartphone?
Though it is a difficult process to get away from your smartphone addiction, it can still be done. There are many specialised treatments is designed especially for smartphone addiction that will help an individual to come over it.
- Try Detox
Detox is the best way to get away from this bad habit. many other facilities will also help you to treat your smartphone addiction such as cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, group support, psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, medication-assisted treatment, and psychological help.
All of these ways depending on how severe your smartphone election can help you come over it. We all know that it is a fact and we cannot deny that smartphones are the greatest source of information today.
Though, the type of usage also matters in how it is going to affect your health and other activities in life. It is essential to keep in mind that however useful the smartphone maybe it can also lead to health problems if not controlled. Therefore, never let a smartphone consume a bigger part of your day or even your life.
- Small steps to recovery
It will always help you to come out of this addiction or never get into it. It is important to detox whenever you feel like doing so.
The best is every time to be cautious and conscious about the usage of the smartphone and other issues that might help you track your behaviour. It is always better to take prevention than precaution. The smartphone is good if you can use it judiciously or it’s nothing short of a curse. It all depends on how you can use it. It is always better to take prevention than precaution. The smartphone is good if you can use it wisely otherwise it is nothing less than a curse. It all depends on how you can use it.