‘Excessive screen time poses high health risks’

Health expert asks users to reduce use of cell phones

ISLAMABAD:

The use of the smart phone has increased sharply in recent years, leading to several negative consequences including addiction to screens, mental health issues, and disruptions to social life.

This was stated by clinical psychologist Ilsa Malik while talking to this scribe here on Sunday.

"Excessive use of smart phones can have a significant impact on close relationships as people spend more time in the virtual world than the real one," she said.

The expert added that people who are addicted to online games and other digital activities may be more likely to withdraw from social activities and neglect their relationships with friends and family.

According to Ilsa, spending too much time on mobile phones can lead to decreased face-to-face communication and a lack of emotional connection with others, which can ultimately lead to isolation and loneliness.

She also noted that constant phone usage can also lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in close relationships as the partners may feel neglected due to the constant phone usage.

The consistent availability of smartphones and the ease of accessing games have led to a rise in addiction to mobile phone games among phone users.

The expert stated that playing games on mobile phones can be highly engaging and can activate the same pleasure centres in the brain as other addictive behaviours.

"This addiction to mobile phone games can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders."

She said that combat games like PUBG have been criticised for their violent content and potential to be highly addictive.

Ilsa noted that people pick up their phones several times a day without even noticing which reveals the unconscious habit of constantly checking their devices. She suggested that people can monitor their phone habits by checking the social well-being report generated on their smartphones, which can help them track their usage and identify patterns of excessive phone use.

Ilsa emphasised that it's the responsibility of the parents and individuals to take necessary precautions to limit their mobile phone usage.

She also suggested users should set limits on the amount of their time spent on mobile phones by creating designated "screen-free" zones in the home and finding other activities to engage in, such as sports to reduce the risk of addiction.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2023.