Your Phone Could Be The Source Of Your Social Isolation And Mental Health Issues.
Smart phone use has increased in this digital age, it has benefits but overusing has led to social isolation and many other underlying problems.
According to a 2018 study published in the journal ‘Preventive Medicine Reports,’ too much time spent on gaming, telephones, and watching television is linked to higher levels of anxiety and sadness in children as young as two years old.
Psychologists warn against phone addiction. Both internal and external triggers may be causing it. We have to acknowledge phone use has become a part of everyone’s lives. You use it to communicate with loved ones. In some cases, it is an office for some businesses.
Recognizing when phone addiction becomes a problem in your life
The average human being clicks and scrolls their phone screens multiple times a day. It has become an everyday routine that we have subconsciously developed with time. However, how much screen time is too much screentime?
To answer this simple question, you need to start tracking your phone usage time. The numbers do not lie. Modern phones come with app track timers and this makes it easy for you. Once you complete this task you should be able to take action. Do not let your phone control your life.
Dear reader, it is easier said than done. Most apps on phones are designed to make addiction easy because of the dopamine kick we receive from constant scrolling. The developers know this. For you to take control back you need to do the following:
· Acknowledge and accept you are addicted
· Seek help or accountability. You may take a step further and have an accountability partner to point out when you should not be using your phone.
· Take the initiative. Speak to a professional and take care of your mental health.
· Stick to it. It takes at least 21 days to form a habit. Having good phone habits helps in the long run
Social isolation and phone addiction go hand in hand
You may be experiencing mild to severe phone addiction and think it is completely harmless. When you take a closer look at the situation however you will start to realize the phone you are holding on your palm is more dangerous than you thought.
Spending too much time scrolling exposes you to a lot of mental health issues because social media is not real. You may end up being both physically and mentally ill from over scrolling. You gradually isolate yourself from the real world and live in an imaginary one.
Taking the bold step and making time for people in real life goes a long way in making you a stable human being.
Final thoughts
If you have read this article to this part, feel challenged to apply the practical steps highlighted and make sure your phone does not make you a victim of social isolation as well as mental health issues. Depending on the severity of your phone addiction it would be wise to seek help. Remember you are a social being.
