Atsijungimas nuo nerimo: Paslėptas probleminio išmaniųjų telefonų naudojimo poveikis paauglių psichikos sveikatai

Nepriklausomos užsienio naujienos... Atsijungimas nuo nerimo: Paslėptas probleminio išmaniųjų telefonų naudojimo poveikis paauglių psichikos sveikatai

In today's digital age, smartphones have become an integral part of adolescents' lives, providing instant access to information, social connections, and entertainment. However, a growing body of research has raised concerns about the darker implications of this pervasive technology. A recent study has brought to light a troubling link between problematic smartphone usage and severe mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts among teenagers. Defined as an addictive-like behavior, problematic smartphone use extends beyond mere screen time, encompassing a spectrum of emotional and psychological distress. As nearly one in five older adolescents report struggling with this issue, it is crucial to explore the nuances of smartphone interactions and their profound effects on the mental well-being of young people today. This article delves into the findings of this pivotal study while integrating insights from ongoing discussions in the mental health community, underscoring the urgent need to address the implications of smartphone dependency among today’s youth.

“Problematic smartphone usage was associated with anxiety and depression, independent of screen time,” the study warned in the ‘Conclusion’ section.

Infowars.com reports: Problematic smartphone use is defined as use that is characterized as an addictive-like behavior.

“Problematic smartphone usage includes loss of control of the amount of time spent using the smartphone, feelings of distress when denied access to a smartphone, continued use despite negative consequences and requiring increasingly long periods of use for satisfaction,” the study said in the ‘Introduction’ section.

Nearly 1 in 5 older adolescents reported problematic smartphone usage and almost 2 in 3 reported wanting to cut down their usage,” the study said in the ‘Conclusions’ section.

The researchers analyzed 657 adolescents aged 16 through 18 from five schools in the U.K. for their study.

Interestingly, while screen time did not have an effect on anxiety or depression, problematic smartphone use did.

“Problematic smartphone use had a significant direct, indirect and total effect on both anxiety and depression,” the study said in the ‘Results’ section.

The researchers discussed how many of the young people were aware of the negative effects of problematic smartphone use and some wanted help.

The study was conducted via a questionnaire.

“The questionnaire consisted of a balance of positive and negative questions about smartphone technology, as well as participant demographics, smartphone usage and widely used validated instruments on anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms and insomnia,” the study said in part 2.1 of the ‘Methods’ section.

The use of smartphones was then compared to the rate of psychological disorders.

“Demographic and smartphone usage characteristics were summarised, comparing adolescents with moderate anxiety to those with out, as well as those with problematic smartphone use compared to those without,” the study said in part 2.3 of the ‘Methods’ section.

Various metrics were taken into account, including

smartphone app use and smartphone usage patterns.

Another study analyzing problematic smartphone use (PSU) in adolescents aged 13 to 16 also revealed that anxiety, depression and lack of sleep were also linked to problematic smartphone usage.

“We found a linear relationship between changes in PSU over time and anxiety, depression and sleep quality. These findings suggest that adolescents who demonstrate greater symptoms of PSU have greater symptoms of anxiety, depression and poor sleep,” the study said in the ‘Discussion’ section.

That study also utilized a questionnaire, which was given to students from multiple secondary schools in London.

P.s. Recent discussions surrounding the impact of smartphone use on adolescents have intensified following this study, highlighting the alarming trends in mental health. For instance, a new article from Psychology Today emphasizes that social media platforms, which are frequently accessed via smartphones, can exacerbate feelings of isolation, especially during significant life events.

Additionally, a recent survey by Common Sense Media revealed that 70% of teenagers feel addicted to their smartphones, echoing the study's findings. This sentiment aligns with the observation that many teens experience emotional distress when they are away from their devices.

Moreover, experts suggest that specific apps designed for social interaction may contribute to these negative effects. For instance, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have been linked to increased body image concerns among teens, which can further fuel anxiety and depressive symptoms. This aligns with the findings that not just the duration of smartphone use, but the nature of the apps used, plays a critical role in shaping mental well-being.

In conclusion, while the original study sheds light on the crucial distinction between general screen time and problematic usage, emerging research underscores the multifaceted relationship between smartphone use, mental health, and social dynamics among adolescents.