Depression : Smartphone is the new Reason

Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, providing us with endless access to information, entertainment, and communication. While they have brought numerous benefits, they have also had a significant impact on our mental health, particularly in the form of increased depression.

Studies have shown that excessive smartphone use can lead to a decrease in face-to-face social interaction and increase feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are known risk factors for depression. Additionally, the constant stimulation from screens and notifications can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and irritability, both of which are also symptoms of depression.

Furthermore, the use of social media on smartphones has been linked to the development of anxiety and depression, particularly in young people. The pressure to constantly present a curated version of ourselves online can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and negative body image, all of which contribute to depression.

Moreover, the blue light emitted by smartphone screens has been found to disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to insomnia and a decrease in the secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin. This can cause individuals to feel tired and disoriented during the day, further exacerbating feelings of depression.

A number of researches have proved that excessive smartphone usage is linked to depression and other serious issues.

• According to a study conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) and the Young Health Movement, social media use was found to be the biggest contributor to young people's poor mental health, with Instagram having the greatest negative impact.
• A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of people felt overwhelmed by the amount of information they receive from their smartphones.
• A study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found that people who spend more time on their smartphones are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized "Gaming Disorder" as a mental health condition, which can be triggered by excessive smartphone use.
• A survey conducted by Common Sense Media found that 50% of teens feel addicted to their smartphones, and 58% of parents feel that their children spend too much time on them.
• A study published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research found that people who spend more time on their smartphones are more likely to experience feelings of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
• A study conducted by the University of Illinois found that college students who spent more time on their smartphones scored lower on measures of well-being, including life satisfaction and happiness.
• A study by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that individuals who spend more time on their smartphones are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• A survey conducted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) found that 53% of individuals who spend more time on their smartphones reported increased symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• A study published in the Journal of Social Science & Medicine found that people who use their smartphones late at night have a higher risk of sleep disturbances and negative health outcomes, including depression.
• A study by the University of Texas found that people who use their smartphones before bed are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.

It is important to note that smartphones are not the sole cause of depression, but they can contribute to its development or worsen existing symptoms. To mitigate these effects, it is recommended to limit smartphone use, especially before bedtime, and to engage in regular physical activity, face-to-face social interaction, and other activities that promote well-being.

Conclusion: While smartphones have brought many benefits to our lives, it is important to be mindful of their impact on our mental health and to take steps to reduce the negative effects they may have. By doing so, we can continue to enjoy the benefits of technology while also taking care of our mental well-being.

Reference:

• https://www.rsph.org.uk/our-work/policy/smartphone-addiction.html
• https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2017/08/smartphone-use
• https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-59591-007
• https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/18-06-2018-gaming-disorder-listed-as-a-mental-health-condition-by-who
• https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/research/teens_social_media_well-being_2019.pdf
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743517305062
• https://news.uci.edu/research/more-screen-time-means-less-sleep-for-teens/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5869143/
• https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2653517
• https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/11/ce-corner
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5409074/