The elephant in the room - phones and young people

As a society, we've become increasingly dependent on our mobile phones, with the younger generation being particularly vulnerable to their addictive pull. The endless stream of notifications, social media updates, swiping and scrolling can consume a significant amount of time, leaving young people with little time for other important activities such as reading, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.

In this blog post, we'll explore the dangers of young people spending too much time on their phones using facts and quotes from frequently cited academic research.

1. Phone Addiction is Real

It's no secret that phone addiction is real, and it affects people of all ages. According to a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, young adults spend an average of five hours a day on their phones, and a separate study found that 50% of teens feel addicted to their phones. This addiction can lead to a host of negative consequences, including anxiety, depression, and poor academic performance.

2. Social Media is a Time Sink

Social media is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to young people spending too much time on their phones. A study by Common Sense Media found that teenagers spend an average of nine hours a day using social media, and a separate study found that heavy social media use is linked to poor mental health outcomes. Additionally, the constant comparison to others on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

3. Sleep Disruption

Another significant danger of spending too much time on our phones is the impact it can have on our sleep. The blue light emitted from phone screens can interfere with our circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. According to a study published in the Journal of Child Neurology, teenagers who spend more time on their phones at night have poorer sleep quality and are more likely to experience daytime sleepiness.

4. Mental Health

The excessive use of social media can have negative effects on mental health, including reduced attention span, increases in depression and social anxiety. Several studies have shown that the constant distractions and interruptions from social media notifications can lead to a decline in attention span and cognitive control. This can result in difficulties in concentrating on tasks and retaining information.

Furthermore, studies have also suggested a link between social media use and depression. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that participants who limited their social media use to 30 minutes a day experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of depression and loneliness. On the other hand, those who continued to use social media for longer periods of time showed no improvements.

Similarly, social media use has been linked to an increase in social anxiety. According to a study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, individuals who spent more time on social media reported higher levels of social anxiety than those who spent less time on these platforms. The constant comparison to others and the pressure to present oneself in a positive light can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety in individuals.

Overall, while social media has many benefits, excessive use can have negative effects on mental health, including reduced attention span, increases in depression, and social anxiety.

While mobile phones have undoubtedly made our lives easier in many ways, they can also be incredibly detrimental to our health and wellbeing, particularly for young people.

The addictive pull of social media, sleep disruption, distracted driving, and poor posture are just a few of the dangers associated with spending too much time on our phones. So the next time you feel the urge to mindlessly scroll through your phone, put it down and take a break. Your mind and body will thank you.