physical effects of smartphone addiction

physical effects of smartphone addiction

Currently, it has become a norm for almost everyone to carry a smartphone to wherever they are going. People have smartphones on them at work, school, while stepping out to shop or even while running other errands (Onhealth.com, n.p). Some individuals also carry their smartphones to the bathroom (Onhealth.com, n.p). This is a clear indication that although smartphones are a new invention, they have quickly become an inherent part of individuals’ lives (Miakotko, pg.2). There are several reasons why these gadgets have become so dear to many people, and one of them is that they ease communication (Miakotko, pg.2). One does not need to reach the office or home to make a call; they can do so wherever and whenever they are. Another reason why people value smartphones is that they allow individuals to keep pictures, personal information, memories, correspondence, as well as financial and health data in one place (Miakotko, pg.2). Although these gadgets have simplified certain aspects of life, studies indicate that smartphone addiction comes with several negative impacts. Phone addiction has been shown to cause more harm than good in society ranging from physical and mental health risks to lack of concentration and disintegration of relationships.

One of the reasons why smartphone addiction is harmful to society is that it results in a lot of strain on the body, which may result in physical health risks. For instance, smartphones result in eye strains as well as back pains. Studies indicate that an average individual looks at his or her phone for at least 150 times a day. Converting the number of times an average individual looks at his or her phone daily in terms of hours results in a lot of hours. All that staring from the frequent use of smartphones may result in eye strain.

Eye strain is a significant health risk, and when an individual continues to use smartphones for longer hours, he or she may develop eye complications (Eye Center of Texas, n.p). According to the eye center of Texas, eye strain is a health condition that should never be taken lightly. In situations that it has been caused by electronic gadgets such as smartphones, TV, and computers, it is referred to as computer vision syndrome (Eye Center of Texas, n.p). The center also says that out of every three Americans, two of them suffer from eye strain caused by excessive use of smartphones (Eye Center of Texas, n.p). As these individuals continue to use smartphones, they may develop blurred vision, headaches, dry eyes, as well as sore eyes.

There are several reasons why smartphone addiction can result in eye strain, and one of them is that individual blink less often when staring at phones. Studies show that blinking is beneficial because it helps an eye redistribute moisture hence preventing the eye from getting dry (Eye Center of Texas, n.p). Blinking also acts as a natural defense that prevents the eye from too much exposure to external elements such as sunlight and dust (Eye Center of Texas, n.p). In a minute, an individual should blink at least 15 times, but these dramatically reduce when an individual stare at the smartphone, especially for more extended hours (Eye Center of Texas, n.p). The reduced number of blinking reduced the duration eyes have to recover.

Squinting is another reason why smartphone addiction results in eye strain (Eye Center of Texas, n.p). Many individuals who are addicted to their phones may not mind reading smaller texts on the screen of the phone; this overworks the muscles around the eyes (Eye Center of Texas, n.p). The eye center of Texas also says that squinting is one of the major causes of eyestrain as well as blurred vision. The center also says that people are not supposed to stare directly at screen lights for a more extended period, and smartphone addicts tend to ignore these recommendations; that is why their physical health is always affected (Eye Center of Texas, n.p). Besides, the physical effects of smartphone addiction on the eye tends to increase when people use their phones in the dark.

Another reason why smartphone addiction poses physical health risks is that it prompts individuals to sit in awkward positions such as leaning forward and bending down the neck during the long duration of phone usage, which leads to neck pain and related problems (Onhealth.com, n.p). Neck muscles of an individual are strained when they look down at their smartphones while browsing or texting for more extended periods (Onhealth.com, n.p). This may lead to spasms or knots; besides, this may also result in pains in the nerves that may radiate to the arms of the individual, back or even back (Onhealth.com, n.p). According to studies conducted by the Pew Research Center, there is a definite connection between the physical state of an individual’s health and smartphone use (Miakotko, pg.5). The studies indicate that many people who excessively use smartphones complain of physical health issues such as finger discomfort and hand tremor (Miakotko, pg.5).

Studies carried out by Berolo et al. also found out that long-term usage of smartphones results in tensions on perimetric tissues, tendons as well as muscles (Berolo et al., pg. 375). Berolo and her coauthors also established that these tensions are capable of resulting in a condition known as visual display terminal syndrome (VDT) (Berolo et al., pg. 375). Studies conducted by Miakotko also found out that employees who were working from, especially by using smartphones, experienced one or two physical health issues (Miakotko, pg.6). Miakotko says that telework and telecommuting are becoming one of the modern alternatives to office arrangements; organizations are making their employees work from their homes, cars, and even from cafes.

In the country alone, there are more than 20 million employees who work from home, if not daily, but at least once a week. There are also more than 10 million individuals who run different types of home business online (Miakotko, pg.6). Miakotko established that although some prefer to use laptops and desktops, the majority of them prefer using modified smartphones or cellphones because they find them convenient, mainly because of their portability (Miakotko, pg.6). Out of the total number of employees who were working from home by using modified smartphones, it was established that more than half of them suffered from increased tension on muscles such as abductor pollicis, trapezius, and also extensor pollicis (Miakotko, pg.6). Extensive research carried out by Elanchezhian Chinnavan, and Rajan Balakrishnan also concluded that there is a positive linkage between musculoskeletal disorder and widespread usage of smartphone devices (Balakrishnan & Chinnavan, pg.370). These scientists found that excessive utilization of handheld devices is one of the major causes of musculoskeletal disorders (Balakrishnan & Chinnavan, pg.370). Therefore, since studies indicate that smartphone addiction can result in physical health risks such as eye strain, neck as well as should problems, this is a clear indication that cellphones may have more negative impacts than its advantages to the society.

Furthermore, phone addiction has also been widely linked to mental issues. Numerous studies have established that extensive use of handheld devices leads to psychological related problems. The addiction to smartphones has been determined as one of the factors that result in depression, especially when the phone addict is not close to his or her phone (Kang, pg.483). An online study conducted on a Malaysian population established that heavy mobile usage is directly linked to depression (Shoukat, pg.48). In this study, 409 individuals were used as the subjects of the study, and the conclusions were that although phone and internet addiction may be behavioral, they are similar to being addicted to drugs (Shoukat, pg.48). The subjects reported that when separated from their devices, they felt as if they lost an essential part of their lives, and a majority of them started feeling depressed.

Excessive use of phones makes individuals dependent on the gadgets (Kang, pg.483). Research also shows that a vast number of young individuals use smartphones to access online sites, such as social media. This continually exposes them to a life they cannot afford. The internet, through smartphones, is making them perceive themselves as failures since they see their peers posting videos and photos of “good life” online. Currently, the society values financial success as well as material things, and a poor person may feel like he or she is morally falling (St Joseph Institute for Addiction, n.p). Therefore, this is a clear indication that smartphones and the internet may make individuals be depressed as they continue to face online pressure regarding their economic status.

Phone addiction also results in lack of sleep (Shoukat, pg.48). Studies indicate that most people use their smartphones to late in the late to check their emails or social media accounts hence reducing their sleeping duration (Soni et al., pg.515). Based on a study that was carried out on the usage of phones among young individuals, a group of 439 adolescents was used as the subjects of the study (Shoukat, pg.48). These young individuals were from central Switzerland, and their age range was between 12 years and 17 years. This study established that more than half of this number use their phones at night, it was also reported that many of them showed signs of poor health due to excessive usage of phones at night (Shoukat, pg.48). Research shows that the bright light that comes from phone screens can alter the biological clock of the body. The natural production of melatonin can also be suppressed with the constant stare on the screen light. This hormone is very critical in regulating a person’s sleep-wake cycle, and once its production is suppressed, and individuals may start to have irregular sleep patterns.

Numerous adverse effects come with the lack of sleep, and one of them is that the body may face challenges in strengthening the immune system (Medical News Today.com, n.p). This may result in an individual taking longer than expected to recover from minor illness. Loss of sleep due to excessive phone use also increases a person’s chances of suffering from chronic diseases (Medical News Today.com, n.p). This is because the body produces more cytokines to prevent and fight infections when a person is asleep. Since phone addiction may result in insomnia, the production of cytokines reduces. The body weight of a person can also be affected due to the lack of enough sleep.

There are two hormones, ghrelin, and leptin, responsible for controlling the feelings of fullness, satiety as well as hunger. Lack of sleep significantly affects the levels of these hormones in the body (Medical News Today.com, n.p). Studies also show that the lack of enough sleep results in the release of insulin. This then results in a lot of fat being stored, and a person may be at a higher risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes (Medical News Today.com, n.p). Also, it has been scientifically proven that enough sleep is one of the factors that helps the heart vessels to heal and rebuild (Medical News Today.com, n.p). The processes that play a role in maintaining an individual’s blood pressure are also affected by sleep. Therefore, this is a clear indication that not sleeping enough due to extensive usage of smartphones may increase a person’s risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease.

Addiction to smartphones has also been linked to anxiety (Shoukat, pg.48). Based on a study that was carried out on Lebanese undergraduate students to determine the relationship between anxiety and phone addiction, it was determined that anxiety, as well as depression, are positive predictors of phone addiction (Shoukat, pg.48). In this study, 668 students were randomly picked, and it was also determined dependence on handheld gadgets is also a suicide risk factor (Shoukat, pg.48). It has also been discovered that social anxiety, is the most common anxiety disorder for individuals who are addicted to phones. For such individuals, they experience discomfort or high-tension levels when they found themselves in social situations.

In many situations, people use smartphones as an escape to certain circumstances that they do not want to experience. For example, when a junior employee finds him or her self in the elevator with the CEO of the company, they tend to use their phones as an escape, they fear to enter into a conversation with the CEO. But when they find themselves in the same situation, and their phone is lacking, they experience high levels of anxiety. Therefore, it is clear that although the invention of smartphones has greatly helped is simplifying certain aspects of life, addiction to gadgets causes more harm than good to society. This is because individuals are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, as well as lack of sleep.

Another reason why phone addiction is harmful is that it deteriorates relationships as well as affects the interpersonal skills of individuals (Brody, n.p). Currently, smartphones are some of the factors that is making people lose so much, especially when they are in the company of others (Onhealth.com, n.p). The presence of a smartphone, when individuals are interacting, not only deceases closeness but also plays a massive role in decreases the trust between the interacting parties. Also, the use of smartphones while individuals are interacting reduces the ability of people to be understanding as well as feel empathy (Onhealth.com, n.p). Bonding and intimacy are also some of the significant factors that are negatively affected by the presence of smartphones.

Brody says that currently, when couples go out for dinner, chances are high that both of them will pull out their phones to check social media accounts, emails as well as messages before they even scan the menu. As if this is not enough, the couples may engage in minimal conversation and because they keep checking their phones repeatedly during the meal (Brody, n.p). Brody also says that nowadays the eyes of shoppers in the line, commuters at the station, individuals crossing busy streets, drivers as well as cyclists, are more likely to be on their phones instead of their surroundings (Brody, n.p). It has become more often to see people who are walking down the street and bump into each because either one of them or both of them were glued to their phones. Since people check their phones around 150 times daily, when this is broken down, a person is more likely to check his or her cellphone every six minutes. Therefore, when a couple is on a date, either both or one of them is more likely to interrupt the conversation to check his or her phone. Apart from obstructing the conversion, smartphones may people not be keen and follow the discussion; this may make the other party feel ignored or less valued, hence negatively affecting the relationship.

According to Brody, individuals who spend most of their time glued on phones should take their time and learn something from Lin-Manuel Miranda (Brody, n.p). Miranda is the brainchild behind “Hamilton,” which was a groundbreaking megahit. When Miranda was asked in a particular interview of where and how he finds time to be creative, he replied that most of the good ideas come when an individual is in a moment of rest (Brody, n.p). He also said that good ideas come when individuals are playing with their sons or while bathing in the shower. In the entire interview, there is nowhere that he mentioned that goo ideas come when people are glued on their phones or browse the whole day (Brody, n.p). This can be interpreted that excessive use of smartphones deprives people of the time to rest, and without enough rest, people cannot be creative.

It is also easy to find a toddler playing with a digital device while the parent is busy on his or her phone socializing online (Brody, n.p). Smartphones have become one of the primary factors that are limiting parents from playing with children, and as Miranda said, good ideas come when a parent is playing with his or her son (Brody, n.p). This is a clear indication that phones are not only limiting individuals from being creative, but they also interfere with the relationship parents are supposed to have with their children.

Phone addiction also negatively impacts the communication skills of a person. A phone addict is more likely to turn to his or her phone in any spare moment. This is more likely to strain everyday conversations. People are more likely to lose the drive to communicate with others when they have developed the habit of pulling out their phones at any free period. Since mobile devices do not challenge them or even criticize their language and communication skills, such individuals are more likely to have inferior communication skills when it comes to face to face communication (Penn State University, n.p). According to Bernard Guerney, who is the founder of the national institute of relationship enhancement, facing things helps an individual to grow somethings (Penn State University, n.p). He also says that a person is likely to lose many things when they resort to tricky situations and cannot face people about intimately essential elements. Meeting people, as well as communicating with them face-to-face, helps an individual to develop the confidence to stand in front of a group of people and talk effetely (Penn State University, n.p). But being addicted to tools such as messages and WhatsApp to communicate may result in an individual being a poor public speaker.

Face to face communication also plays a huge role in teaching an individual how to read as well as use body language, voice, facial expressions as well as tone. These are some of the most vital communication skills that a person must possess to be an effective communicator (Penn State University, n.p). Being addicted to phones, as well as using texts messages or social media sites to communicate, does not equip an individual with these social skills (Penn State University, n.p). Therefore, it is clear that addiction to phones is harmful because it leads to an individual developing poor communication skills.

In conclusion, phone use has been shown to have several benefits to individuals and society, but overuse, which has led to addiction, has been shown to have a more negative impact on society and individuals as well. Addiction to smartphones has been linked to physical health risks such as eye strain, neck pains, as well as other physical related problems. Numerous studies have also established that phone addiction results in loss of sleep, anxiety, and also depression. Besides, it has been determined that overusing a smartphone affects the communication skills of people as well as the quality of relationships they have. Therefore, these are clear indications that phone addiction results in more harm than good in society ranging from physical and mental health risks to lack of concentration and disintegration of relationships.