As per Wikipedia, “handsets with more advanced computing ability through the use of native software applications are known as smartphones.
”However, the generic idea of a smart phone is one device that has the capability to perform the functions of many devices or one device with the ability to replace multiple devices by making your tasks easier.
Some of the common examples include smartphones, which give you access to your emails and other office tasks, so they can easily replace your laptop and tab; they have music options that eliminate the need for a stereo, a camera, etc.
Above all, these smartphones are easy to carry and are user-friendly.
While these smartphones have so many advantages, they also have their own cons. After the explosion of social media, the addiction to smartphones has increased tremendously, and it has become common to find a greater number of people using them.
Addiction to a smart phone is a behavioral addiction that is considered to be in the same vein as gambling, shopping, or video game addiction. This type of addiction is well-known to cause stress and other mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.
Those who have smartphone addiction usually deny it first, as it is hard to accept that they are not controlling the device but the device is controlling them.
It is difficult for them to put down the mobile for even a couple of minutes. They get irritated and feel anxious if they are asked not to use the phone for a certain amount of time or if asked to do some task that interrupts them while using the phone.
Symptoms of smartphone addiction
Signs and symptoms of addiction are checking phone notifications again and again, having no time management while using the phone, and avoiding all the other activities or tasks just to use the phone.
The person also tends to become an introvert and begins to avoid social gatherings.
There are several ways in which excessive use of smartphones negatively impacts one’s mental health. Some of these are:
- Anxiety and stress
- Loss of sleep quality
- Disturbed sleeping cycle owing to the blue light emitted from mobile phones.
This blue light can severely reduce your melatonin levels as well. - Damages the cognitive skills.
- Reduced social and emotional skills.
Dealing with Smartphone Addiction
Smartphones drain your social and emotional skills. Nowadays, people spend more time on their phones and like to play games or use other apps instead of meeting people at social gatherings.
The world is becoming more and more virtual. Hence, the need of the hour is to take steps against this addiction.
A few of the suggestions are as follows:
Track Your Time:
There are many apps, including inbuilt apps, on your mobile phone that help you track how much time you are spending on your phone.
You can also mention how much time you want to spend on your phone daily, and once that limit is reached, the app sends you a notification. This would serve as a reminder to be alert and stop using the phone immediately.
Delete the Non Productive Apps:
Try to delete the apps that consume a lot of your time and do not help you in any productive ways.
Log out or deactivate your account on the social media apps on which you spend more hours than usual.
This would automatically help you to reduce your non-productive activities and plan your day in a productive manner.
Keep yourself engaged.
Socialize in person, make plans with friends to go out or join some club membership, or go to the park for a walk. If you do not want to go outside, you can try to engage yourself in gardening, singing, drawing, reading, etc.
Consult the medical experts.
For any kind of mental health issue or addiction, there are many mental health rehabilitation centers you can reach out to.
One of the top rehabilitation centers in Delhi/NCR is Athen Luxus.
Backed by a team of skilled staff and the best health experts who understand the level of the problem and other details related to it, we make sure that we plan the best therapy and treatment for the concerned individual.
We are here to help you and your near and dear ones. If you would like to get a consultation on treatment facilities from a professional, please reach us through email at customercare@athenabhs.com or call us at +91 9718921212
Also Read:
Tips To Improve Self-Esteem For Improved Mental Health
Mental Health Issues and Their Impact on the Indian Workforce
Alcohol Addiction: How to Get Rid of This Most Common Addiction?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Most Effective Therapy To Treat Mental Illnesses
