With ever-increasing popularity, the smartphone presents itself as an essential tool, both for social life and for accomplishing multiple tasks. This multifunction device has even become a real drug for many of its users and makes their lives as much easier as it does not alter it. Indeed, the harmful effects of our dear smartphone are revealed every day and continue to multiply. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from this. But first let’s get to know each other negative effects of the smartphone on our health and our daily lives.
1. Strong addiction and withdrawal symptoms
The smartphone appears to be a highly addictive instrument. And not just on a psychological level.
According to experts, just like during drug use, our brain produces dopamine and serotonin (“happiness hormones”) every time we receive a notification on our phone.
Dependence is therefore very physiological. Thus, the sudden withdrawal of this tool from the most dependent users can cause withdrawal symptoms. A real pathology has even appeared: “nomophobia”, which consists of the fear of not having your smartphone nearby.
2. From stress to depression
Stress, anxiety and depression are all consequences of our “hyperinteraction” with others. Being constantly connected induces a feeling of anxiety at best faced with the reaction time of our contacts and at worst, a real depressed due to the absence of “social and professional rest”. It is therefore essential to take breaks and put your smartphone aside to refocus and thus be able to find a positive mood.
Everyone’s social life can ultimately be altered by untimely use of a smartphone. In addition to the rudeness of being constantly hunched over your smartphone, it is the quality of social relationships that is affected.
Researchers from the University of Essex have demonstrated that the interlocutors and those around people who are “addicted” to their smartphones feel less listened to, less confident and attribute a lower quality to the relationship itself.
4. Concentration problems
Whether you’re addicted or not, concentration problems are common among people who own a smartphone. Difficult to concentrate at work with this device nearby. But there’s more: being distracted by your phone while driving or even walking down the street is the cause of many accidents.
5. Physical pain
We naturally adopt bad posture when we use our phone. However, holding yourself poorly for a prolonged period of time can be the cause of noticeable physical pain. We thus see an increase in the number of people suffering back and neck pain.
Continuous writing of messages also causes a physical ailment called “text tendinitis” or “text claw”. It is none other than inflammation of the tendons of the hand and wrist.
6. Sleep Disruption
63% of smartphone users aged 18 to 29 would bring their mobile phone to their bed! However, typing messages at night prevents you from sleeping…But beyond that, it has been shown that the LED light on the smartphone screen disturbs the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for the feeling of falling asleep.
7. Impairment of vision and hearing
Prolonged contemplation of the screen of your cell phone can be a source of damage to your eyesight. Tired eyes, blurred vision and headaches are all warnings that should not be ignored. The retina of the eye itself can be damaged by direct exposure to light from your screen.
There is also hearing loss among smartphone users who listen to (loud) music through headphones.
8. Risks linked to radiation
Smartphones are known to produce radiation. However, researchers consider, for the moment, that their harmful effects are only probable. Currently, according to the World Health Organization, this radiation would be “potentially carcinogenic”.
These same waves would be responsible for sterility in men by the reduction in the number of spermatozoa. This phenomenon would be accentuated by carrying cell phones in the pants pockets of these gentlemen.
9. Bacteria and infections
Carried everywhere, including to the table and to the toilet (for some), your smartphone is a veritable nest of germs ! Worn regularly on the face, this phone is often a source of infection. No serious illness in sight, but germs and even fecal particles are regularly found there…
Some tips to protect yourself against the negative effects of the smartphone
Moderate your use
There is no secret, to limit the bad sides of the smartphone, you must first take your foot off the gas! One day a week without a phone will be a good way to reduce your addiction.
Doing without it during your journeys (on foot, by car) will reduce the risk of accidents and not taking it to your bed will solve your insomnia problems. Finally, if you want to improve your social relationships, stop using the phone in public or when you are sitting at a table.
Be careful to limit radiation
To do this, limit its use and do not carry it in your pockets. “Wave attenuator” boxers are even on the market.
Clean your smartphone well
With repeated contact with your face, it is essential to keep a clean phone. Avoid touching it when you eat or take it with you to the toilet. Finally, handle it with clean hands (as much as possible).