In the future, how will smartphones impact mental health?

Millions of people worldwide are affected by the severe mental health problem known as smartphone addiction. Although this condition is frequently linked to youth, addiction of any kind can have a major negative impact on mental health and afflict practically any group. Smartphone addiction can have serious consequences, such as reduced sleep quality and elevated levels of stress, worry, and melancholy. Mental health professionals must be aware of the possible problems linked to excessive smartphone use in order to assist their patients in recognising, controlling, and overcoming their addiction.

What Is Addiction to Smartphones?

Although a lot of people make jokes about having a smartphone addiction, this is a real condition. Over the last ten years or so, phones have changed from being communication tools to an all-in-one digital device that allows us to access our entire world with a few touches on the screen. Because of this, they are not only immensely helpful but also have a strong attraction that many people find difficult to resist. In a digital world that is constantly expanding, it is critical to regulate digital literacy within appropriate bounds.

Individuals who are addicted to their smartphones frequently find it impossible to put the device down. If they are unable to use their phone for an extended amount of time or if their access is restricted, they could also become anxious and agitated.

The Impact of Smartphone Addiction on Mental Health

There is an alarming association between the overuse of smartphones and various mental health issues, including:

Increased Anxiety Levels

When people become addicted to their phones, they often develop what is known as “digital detox anxiety” from being separated from their phones for too long. This type of anxiety usually manifests itself in physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and heart palpitations when someone goes without their phone for an extended period. This same type of anxiety can also occur if someone does not receive a text or email quickly enough or miss out on a social media post or notification.

Smartphone addiction can also lead to higher anxiety levels due to the distortion of social media — the comparison between one’s life and the seemingly perfect lives portrayed on social media platforms. When people compare themselves to others online, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, leading to increased stress and anxiety levels. People who are addicted to their smartphones may find themselves spending more time scrolling through social media posts than engaging with other people in person, leading them to feel isolated and disconnected from reality, further fueling their anxieties.

Difficulty Sleeping

The light emitted by a cell phone screen can interfere with natural melatonin production, especially when used within two hours of bedtime. Melatonin is the hormone that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, so when it is disrupted, it can lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. This can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and increased mental health symptoms.

Depression

When people constantly compare their lives to what they see on social media, it can lead to increased feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy, which can eventually turn into depression. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to social media content increases depression in people, especially those prone to negative thinking.

Decreased Performance at Work or School

The overuse of smartphones can lead to decreased performance at work or school. When someone is constantly checking their phone for notifications or browsing social media, it takes away from the time they should spend on tasks related to their job or studies. This can lead to poorer work performance, lower grades in school, and increased stress levels due to the pressure to perform.

Relationship Issues

When someone is addicted to their phone, it can harm their relationships with family or partners. Constantly checking one’s phone while in the presence of others can make them feel ignored and neglected, leading to tension and conflict within the relationship. Spending more time interacting with people online than having real conversations with their partner can also lead to a decrease in closeness and intimacy within the relationship.

Strategies to Combat Smartphone Addiction

Fortunately, there are steps providers can take to help reduce the impact of smartphone addiction on themselves and their clients:

For yourself:

• Set limits. Set a specific amount of time each day that you’re allowed to spend on your phone and stick to it.
• Make it inaccessible. Put your phone in another room or turn it off when you need to focus on something else.
• Be mindful of notifications. Turn off notifications and alerts that can distract you from your work.
• Be intentional. Unsubscribe from email lists and social media accounts that don’t bring value to your life.

For your clients:

• Encourage breaks. Encourage the client to take regular breaks away from their phone when needed, such as during meals or when working on other tasks.
• Set goals. Help the client create achievable goals regarding time spent on their phone and how often they check notifications.
• Talk openly. Have honest conversations with clients about their smartphone usage and encourage them to be honest about their struggles so that you can work together to find solutions.
• Practice coping skills. Teach the client coping skills and techniques to manage their urges when they need to check their phone constantly.
• Help find alternatives. Help the client identify activities they could do instead of being on their phone, such as talking to friends or family, doing yoga, or going for a walk.