ARE YOU ADDICTED TO SMARTPHONE?

ARE YOU ADDICTED TO SMARTPHONE?

18-SEP-ENG 13

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------------In this digital age, passing time is no easy task. Today's world has become completely digital. Everyone's morning begins with an alarm clock and ends with watching Instagram reels or YouTube videos.

In this digital age, passing time is no easy task. Today's world has become completely digital. Everyone's morning begins with an alarm clock and ends with watching Instagram reels or YouTube videos. Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. Whether it's study, work, or entertainment, everything is now done through the phone. Initially, it seems convenient and necessary, but gradually this habit turns into an addiction. Many people don't leave their phones for even a moment throughout the day. They don't let go of their phones even while eating, walking, or even in the toilet.

But this habit has a profound impact on our health. Smartphone addiction is gradually damaging our physical, mental, and emotional health. According to experts, this addiction is leading to many serious illnesses and problems. So let's explore the various illnesses and problems that excessive smartphone use can cause.

When we sit in the same position for hours on end, using our phones, it negatively impacts the neck, back, shoulders, and hands. Constantly bending over to look at our phones can cause neck pain and stiffness, a condition known as 'tech neck syndrome.' Furthermore, the thumbs and hands experience irritation or strain, leading to 'texting thumb.' This can lead to muscle and joint swelling, weakness, and even serious long-term problems like arthritis.

Continuously watching social media, games, or videos on our smartphones exhausts the mind. Sleep deprivation leads to increased mental health issues like stress, depression, and anxiety. When a person spends too much time online and disconnects from real life, they feel lonely. In children, this habit leads to poor concentration, increased anger, and irritability. Research shows that smartphone addiction also leads to low self-esteem and impaired social skills.

The blue light emitted from screens is extremely harmful to the eyes. Prolonged screen time can cause eye irritation, blurred vision, and dry eye syndrome. This increases eye fatigue and may require glasses. Constantly looking at a phone can also cause migraines and headaches.

Sitting while using a phone reduces physical activity. Lack of physical activity leads to weight gain, impaired blood circulation, and muscle weakness. This is a major cause of laziness and obesity, which in turn can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and other lifestyle-related diseases. Furthermore, prolonged inactivity can also lead to blood pressure problems.

Using a phone at night severely impacts sleep quality. The blue light emitted from phone screens affects the hormone melatonin, which helps induce sleep. This delays sleep and results in incomplete sleep. Lack of sleep leads to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating throughout the day. Continued use of this habit can lead to serious sleep disorders like chronic sleep disorders.

Constant phone use weakens the ability to concentrate. This problem is particularly prevalent in children and young adults. This can lead to a lack of focus on studies, work, and other important tasks. It can weaken memory and, sometimes, lead to serious accidents due to distraction.

Excessive smartphone use is detrimental to your health. It is important to control it to protect your physical, mental, and emotional health. Take regular breaks from smartphone use, limit screen time, and spend more time in nature. Remember, only the right use of technology leads to a healthy and happy life.