Aarif Farooq Najar
Addiction is considered by World health organization (WHO) as dependence, as the continuous use of something for the sake of relief or stimulation which often causes cravings when it is absent. The two major categories of addiction involve either substance addiction e.g. drugs or alcohol addiction or behavioral addiction such as mobile phone addiction.
Excessive mobile addiction can damage our life if it is not stopped on proper time. As much as we ignore it, it has rapidly grown into a big trouble today. It is hindering our professional, public life and personal relations as well. People undergoing this mobile addiction problem must try to get rid of it and return back to the real world. Getting attached of this addiction might be more challenging for all of us in the next years, but it is not impossible. With the support from the loved ones and some effort from oneself, we can overcome this problem over time, and if that does not help, we shouldn’t fear to seek professional advice.
A mobile phone serves as an escapism from the obstacles and problems of practical life. People of every age group undergo this problem. Nonetheless, teenagers are most prone to acquire this addiction. Teenagers are in that stage of their life where they are learning and explore new things. They have various questions, and their mobile phones have almost all their answers. Children these days have a lot of things to ask and share but are often fearful to discuss or speak about the same with their teachers, friends, family as well as parents.
Most parents these days are so engaged in their work that they don’t have the time to speak or keep track of their siblings. Thereafter there are many things where they get awkward to ask, and for this reason, the mobile phone becomes their counsel partners.
Teens addicted to mobile phones are very dangerous. They mostly cannot focus on their studies, as this addiction hinders their capability to focus and reduces their ability to understand things easily . A research says that those addicted to mobile phones also have a higher chance of acquiring life damaging habits such as drinking, smoking, and taking illegal drugs. They also become socially incompetent as they are always on their mobile phone. The result of which is that their future remains at stake. Parents must make sure that they do not give smartphones to their teenage kids until necessary. Teens need to focus on their education & all round development and invest their interest in different beneficial activities.
Associated risks and negative consequences
Physical and mental health, social relationships, as well as academic and professional carrier is all affected by these flaws. Mobile phones are becoming increasingly important, especially for students, due to their rapid social rhythm, busy daily lives, and complex interpersonal relationships. Mobile phones have become increasingly famous in the recent years. Excessive smartphone use can have detrimental effects on various aspects of health, including sleep patterns, physical well-being, and mental health, cognitive function, and eye health etc. The blue light emitted from screens can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disturbances and decreased alertness. Prolonged phone use can also contribute to issues such as neck pain, repetitive strain injuries, and vision problems.
Few associated risks and negative consequences of mobile phone addiction are:-
Physical health issues
Long screen scrolling can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, reducing physical activity levels and increasing the risk of developing non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases and obesity in the future.
Psychological effects
Excessive smartphone usage has been linked to psychological issues such as depression, stress, anxiety, and addictive behaviours. Studies have shown a significant relationship between excessive smartphone use and depression.
Decreased focus and concentration
Excessive use of mobile leads to decreased focus and concentration during study sessions and lectures. Constant notifications, social media distractions, and temptation to check phone frequently can disrupt students ability to concentrate on academic tasks, resulting in reduced learning efficiency.
Sleep disturbances
Excessive smartphone use, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.
Effect on diet
Smartphone addiction has been associated with skipping meals, changing eating speed, and altering meal amounts due to excessive smartphone use. Smartphone addicted
students have shown an increased frequency of snack consumption, often opting for unhealthy fast food choices.
Some strategies to reduce the prevalence of this addiction:
Promoting face-to-face interactions
Emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions and socializing without the use of smartphones can help individuals build stronger relationships and reduce dependency on digital communication in long run.
Seek support
Talk to friends or family about your goals to reduce phone usage and ask for their support.
Educating on healthy technology use
Providing education and awareness programs on the potential negative effects of smartphone overuse can help individuals make informed decisions.
Engaging in physical activities
Encouraging physical activities and hobbies that do not involve smartphones can help individuals reduce their screen time and promote a more active lifestyle.
Limit notifications
Disable unnecessary notifications to minimize distractions as much as possible.
In conclusion this situation demand potential and continues efforts from mental health experts, teachers, policy makers as well as parents to address the this issues of mobile phone addition. We need to develop a comprehensive and proactive intervention plan to mitigate effect of mobile addition and harmful in person and collective level.
“Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is to step away from the screen and take care of your own well-being.” -Arianna Huffington.
(The author is pursuing an integrated B.A LLB program in the department of Law, Central University of Kashmir Tullamulla. He can be reached at [email protected] and via “X” (Twitter) @AarifFaroqNajar)
