Mobile phone addiction and your health

BY SYLVESTER OJENAGBON

It is easy to think that mobile phones have always been a part of modern life. This is particularly so for people born before the advent of mobile phones. Unknown to many, the first-ever mobile phone call was made on April 3, 1973, by Martin Cooper on the streets of New York. His brick-sized device became the first mobile phone available to the general public. 

However, the IBM Simon, also known as the Simon Personal Communicator, is widely considered the first smartphone. It was released to the public in August 1994, although the prototype dates back to 1992. It was, however, not until 1997 that the term smartphone was officially used. The smartphone, as we know it today, was unveiled in January 2007, when Steve Jobs announced the iPhone to an excited crowd in San Francisco. 

Since then, the smartphone has generally made life easier for all. This is a good thing. However, it has come with a new form of addiction, especially for those who do not use it responsibly. Mobile phone addiction, also known as nomophobia or smartphone addiction, refers to a condition where a person experiences excessive and compulsive use of their mobile phone. It is often characterised by a strong urge to check notifications, social media, or other phone functions even when not needed, and difficulty limiting or stopping phone use. 

Statistics on mobile phone addiction are distressing. The typical mobile phone user touches his or her phone 2,617 times in a day. Most people, on average, spend three hours and 15 minutes on their phones every day. Half of all phone pickups happen within three minutes of a previous one. 

Studies suggest that smartphone addiction might be more prevalent among younger individuals, particularly students, and among females. For example, a study of young adults in Bangladesh found that 61.4% were smartphone addicted. 

In Nigeria, research found that 65.6% of participants in Kano were habitual phone users. What that means is that they used their phones regularly and often. The same study also revealed that 10.3% of participants were exhibiting signs of problematic phone use, which can include excessive time spent on the phone, neglecting other responsibilities, and experiencing negative consequences due to phone use. 

An assessment in Ibadan also found that a substantial 44.9% of in-school adolescents were struggling with internet addiction. Research suggests that university undergraduates are particularly vulnerable to phone addiction, with some studies reporting rates as high as 88%. Social media addiction is also a significant concern in Nigeria, with studies showing high prevalence rates among university students, according to a paper published in the Nigerian Journal of Psychology. A significant number of respondents spent five or more hours on their phones daily.

Now, the constant stream of information and connectivity offered by the internet and social media can be highly engaging, thus leading to excessive phone use. Also, mobile gaming can be particularly addictive, with the thrill of competition and progress reinforcing the urge to return to the device. For some, the feeling of anxiety or depression when away from the phone or when facing low battery or network issues can further exacerbate the problem.

In addition, the fear of missing out on social events, updates, or news can make people check their phones regularly. The sheer volume of information online can equally be overwhelming, thus leading to a constant need to stay updated and connected. Conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be linked to phone addiction, as the stimulation and instant gratification offered by phones can be appealing to those with certain neurological challenges.

The truth, however, is that mobile phone addiction comes with many health challenges. Prolonged screen time can cause dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches, particularly if you already have vision problems. In addition, poor posture while using a phone can lead to neck and back pain, as well as nerve irritation in the elbow if you lean on it while using the phone. 

Using phones before bed can interfere with sleep patterns, and this often leads to insomnia or other sleep problems. Some studies suggest that radiation from cell phones can cause changes in the skin, potentially increasing the risk of skin cancers and other skin conditions. 

Furthermore, constant notifications and the pressure to stay connected can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Excessive phone use can similarly lead to less face-to-face interaction, potentially affecting social skills and leading to feelings of isolation. Online bullying and social media can also negatively impact mental health, particularly in children and young people.

And distraction from phone use while driving or walking significantly increases the risk of accidents, which can negatively impact your health and the health of others.

How do you know you are addicted to your phone? You are likely addicted if it takes so much of your time that it causes you to neglect or pay little attention to your work, school, face-to-face relationships, hobbies, or other previously important things in your life. If you are already concerned or worried about your mobile phone habits, you are likely addicted. 

Some of the suggested ideas to overcome your phone addiction include removing distraction-based apps from your home screen, turning off notifications, setting the screen to black-and-white, turning on do not disturb, setting a longer passcode, using aeroplane mode, and putting the phone away when you are done with your work on it.

You may need to speak to your doctor or mental health professional if you have struggled over time, without success, to curtail your mobile phone addiction.

We have the power to strike a healthy balance in the ways we use our smartphones. Striking that balance is, in effect, an act of self-care. It is about prioritising our health and well-being in an age where the digital and physical realms are increasingly intertwined. The rewards? Clearer minds, healthier bodies, and richer connections. I believe these are well worth our effort.

Ojenagbon, a health communication expert and licensed management trainer and consultant, lives in Lagos.