The blue light emitted by smartphones disrupts melatonin production, leading to insomnia, daytime fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.
Excess use of smartphones can have both positive and negative impacts on individuals. According to experts, there is a need to aid adolescents on how to balance their time with smartphones, given that they use it for multiple purposes, the inclination to spend more time on it has certainly increased.
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“Research have shown that excessive use of smartphones tends to have an impact on adolescent’s mental health for various reasons. Firstly, it can impact their moods and self-esteem if they engage in unhealthy comparisons of themselves with others. It can either make them feel a sense of relative deprivation of what is missing in their life or impose an internal pressure to post and share a portrayal of self that is more likable or desirable to the virtual audience,” Mimansa Singh Tanwar, Clinical Psychologist, Head School Mental Health Program, Fortis National Mental Health Program told Financial Express.com.
Secondly, given the amount of unfiltered information and content that is prevalent, it can influence their vulnerabilities and contribute to belief systems in a way that can significantly shape their view of the self and world, thereby influencing their choices, Tanwar explained.
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“They are exposed to incidences of cyberbullying which can lead to mental health problems in young people. Thirdly, easy access and availability have replaced the amount of physical activity and sleep that is necessary. Being on smartphones may become an unhealthy means to cope with stress. This necessitates bringing media literacy in young people that empowers them with skills to navigate media influences and inculcate healthier practices in their day-to-day lives,” Tanwar said.
According to Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, while technology offers numerous benefits, its overuse has significant negative consequences in adolescents, both physically and mentally:
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- Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by smartphones disrupts melatonin production, leading to insomnia, daytime fatigue, and impaired cognitive function. This can have affect their learning, memory, and overall well-being.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: Poor posture and repetitive movements associated with smartphone use can lead to neck pain, headaches, backaches, and even carpal tunnel syndrome. These issues can interfere with their daily activities.
- Vision Problems: Spending long hours staring at screens can cause eye strain, dryness, and irritation. Excessive screen time can also exacerbate pre-existing vision problems, such as myopia which is commonly observed on children (nearsightedness).
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Adolescents glued to their smartphones are less likely to engage in physical activities. This lack of exercise increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions later in life.
