Wednesday, May 24, 2023

 The psychological effects of mobile phones on teenagers

 The way we interact, work, learn, and travel the world has all been revolutionised by technology, which has become an essential part of our daily life. The value of technology in today's connected and hurried society cannot be emphasised. Additionally, they provide kids a wealth of materials to aid in their academic endeavours, expand their knowledge, and engage in extensive online social networking. Technology, social media, and the internet have many benefits, but they also have many drawbacks. For example, children today often become addicted to their phones and social media, neglecting other obligations like studying and keeping up with their schoolwork. Additionally, it tends to make individuals lazier as they engage with others only online rather than in person.

Teenagers' use of mobile devices also tends to have a psychological impact on them because they are exposed to a lot of highly fabricated content online, which tends to mould their minds into believing that those are the things they should have in their lives and cause a fear of missing out on some experiences that people online say is living the teenage dream. Teenagers also tend to compare themselves to other people, whether it be their way of life, their appearance, or even the things they own that often. Teenagers' stress levels may rise as a result of constant notification exposure and the need to respond quickly. Mobile alerts' addictive qualities, combined with social media's comparison and social validation, can lead to melancholy, low self-esteem, and feelings of inadequacy. As late-night alerts can interfere with teens' sleep cycles and cause insufficient sleep, weariness, and difficulties concentrating during the day, mobile phones also have an impact on sleep cycles. Teenagers are frequently enticed by notifications to use their gadgets late at night, exposing them to blue light that can interfere with their circadian cycle and reduce the quality of their sleep. Excessive smartphone use brought on by alerts might encourage a sedentary lifestyle, which can result in physical health problems like obesity, bad posture, and a decline in fitness.

One must understand how to control their notifications, and some methods include: Encourage them to set aside specific "notification-free" times for focused study or downtime. Teach youngsters to disable or restrict alerts that aren't absolutely necessary in order to minimise distractions. Encourage youth to use their mobile devices responsibly and partake in activities that enhance their physical and mental health, such as hobbies, physical activity, or quality time with friends and family. To refresh their minds and lessen reliance on notifications, encourage youngsters to take regular breaks from their gadgets and participate in screen-free activities.

By Vidita Kothari

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