By: Dr. Durgesh Kumar Chaturvedi, Special Correspondent-ICN
Overuse of Smartphone leads to isolated lifestyle which results into weight gain and decreased fitness level.
The entry of smartphones has changed the entire communication system in our society and the gadget is being used by all section of the society irrespective of age.the entry of mobile phones has changed the entire communication system in our society and the gadget is being used by all sections of the society irrespective of age.
Mobile phones have become a primary need in each and everyone’s life. Globalization has many aspects and mobile phone is a good technology which has become part and parcel of lives and without which we become helpless and at times not able to live comfortably as it connects us to the rest of the world.However Mobile phone overuse is a dependence syndrome commonly seen in youngsters.
Side effects of Smartphone addiction:
1-Addiction-
Most of college students and youngsters spend approx 5 to 7 hours daily on their cellphones,surfing internet and using social media.Our brain get a hit of DOPAMINE and SEROTONIN- chemicals linked to happiness when we use our smart phones.
NOMOPHOBIA (Fear of being without your mobile phone) is now recognized as serious health issue.
2- BACK ACHE-
45% Of young people suffer from back pain as their spinal disc are put under pressure.When you are texting you add up to 50 pounds of pressure depending on angle at which person is texting
3-NERVE DAMAGE
Overuse of Smartphone cause OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA which leads to chronic pain in upper neck,back of head and behind eyes.
4-ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Spending so much time staring at screen can lead to anxiety and even depression as people expect constant updates and interaction from friends,and worry when these aren’t received.
5-DISRUPTED SLEEP
During use of Smartphone in night exposure of Blue light has ability to suppress MELATONIN secretion which regulate Sleep-Wake cycle.
6-TEXT CLAW
Sufferers experience cramped finger’s,wrist pain and muscles pain due to continuous texting and scrolling on touch screen of Smartphone,this may lead to tendinitis.
7-EYE SIGHT
Exposure of Blue light leads to Macular degeneration, which causes loss of central vision.
To save your eyes follow Rule of 20-20-20 (every 20 minute take 20 seconds to focus on something 20 feet away from you)
8-HEARING LOSS
If we listen music too loud it will damage tiny hair cells in the inner ear,which transmit chemical signals through nerves to the brain
Repeated exposure above 85 decibel causes hearing loss.Maximum volume of Smartphone is around 105 decibel so it’s repeated use can lead to hearing loss.
9-EFFECT OF RADIATIONS
Research of WHO on Cancer has classified Radio frequency and Electro magnetic fields as “possibly Carcinogenic to humans”
However the possibility that cellphones radiation could cause cancer is least because it is Non ionising radiation and does not carry enough energy to damage DNA.
10-MOBILE MAKES IMMOBILE
Overuse of Smartphone leads to isolated lifestyle which results into weight gain and decreased fitness level.
SOLUTION TO MITIGATE IMPACT OF CELLPHONES ON HUMAN HEALTH AND LIFE::
1-Limit excess use of internet
2-Socialize without cellphones
3-Turnoff or Customize notification on Smartphone.
4-Get rid off unnecessary apps.
5-While working put your phone atleast 10 feet away from you.
6-Turn phone off before going to bed.
7-Try to use a simple phone instead of a Smartphone to avoid unnecessary disturbance.
