As we have progressed into the age of information, modern humans developed a need for phones. Many of the daily activities that we do today involve the use of mobile phones. Phones have evolved so much since the conception of the first telephone.
Of course, these smartphones have changed the way we live our lives. There are now over six billion smartphone subscriptions all over the world as of 2021. And this is only expected to grow in the next few years.
It’s not surprising why many people use phones. Modern phones, better known as smartphones, are essentially small but powerful computers that can perform various tasks for work. They have also provided one of the easiest ways for one to access the internet and social media.
These phones are appeal to billions because of their functional value. They make communication faster and easier. And their ability to access the internet also allows them to operate applications and games that people use for leisure.
Indeed, smartphones have changed the lives of regular people. But while many of us see the advantages of phones, we often do not see how they can negatively affect our lives. Our phones cause subtle negative effects that can be hard to spot. Let’s take a look at some of them.
The Dark Side of Smartphones
There are always two sides to owning a phone. Yes, they are useful, and they help you live your life better. But they can also be a huge waste of time. In 2018, the average person spent around three hours and 15 minutes. Some can even go up to 4 hours of screen time in a day.
This is largely attributed to the fact that plenty of our socializing happens online. Communication happens over the internet as well. And your phone is the easiest way to attend to these activities.
There are times that it can even distract you from your daily tasks. Some people may be less productive because they are distracted by the activities they have on their phones. This distraction can even be dangerous as some people use their phones while driving.
Distracted driving is a problem that continuously causes injuries and accidents to both drivers and pedestrians. Your phone can be a reason for you not to pay attention to the road. This can lead to car crashes or road accidents that can threaten the lives of everyone involved.
In 2019, there were around 3,000 deaths related to distracted driving in the United States. Of course, there are always car accident lawyers who can help victims deal with these incidents. But the damage can never be reversed.
The Risk of Social Media Addiction
Apart from that, excessive use of smartphones can also heighten the risk of social media addiction. This happens when you spend an unhealthy amount of time on different social media platforms. Of course, using social media has many advantages. These platforms help you connect and communicate with your friends and loved ones. It also helps you meet other people.
But using social media can be harmful. Excessive usage of social media has been linked to heightened feelings of stress. This is because negative information, such as bad news, is readily available online. Apart from that, people share their stressful experiences on the internet as well. This awareness can affect one’s stress levels.
Also, a study suggests that young people that spend significant time on social media are more likely to develop depression in the future. Yes, social media can be helpful. But your usage of social media needs to be regulated if you want to avoid its harmful effects.
Too Much Screen Time May Heighten Your Loneliness
Because smartphones are easier to use and cheaper to obtain, they are arguably the most prevalent gadget globally. This means that most people get their screen time through their phones. Of course, excessive screen time has harmful effects on your mental health.
These effects include a heightened feeling of loneliness and increased anxiety. Apart from that, spending too much time on your phone can also affect your emotional connections with other people. This can significantly affect the meaningful relationships you have created with your friends and loved ones.
Your Phone and Sleeping Habits
Your phone can even make significant alterations to the way you sleep. The screen of your phone is essentially a source of blue light. When you use this device before bed, the blue light may affect your melatonin production. This will ultimately affect the length and quality of your sleep.
You cannot deny that your phone has brought many good changes to your life. Your daily life is much easier because of your smartphone, but the invention has created new and unforeseen challenges that can be hard to avoid. With that, you should always be aware of the effects of your smartphone and how they harm your way of life.
