
The Effects of Overusing Phones on Mental Health
Choriyeva Oynur
Uzbek State World Language University, Faculty of English Philology, 2nd-year student
Annotation:
This article examines the effects of excessive phone use on human mental health. It analyzes the psychological, behavioral, and physical consequences of overuse, including increased anxiety, depressive symptoms, decreased attention, and sleep disturbances. The purpose of the study is to highlight the negative impact of prolonged screen time and emphasize the need to develop healthy digital habits.
Keywords: overall well-being, overusing gadgets, stress, negative effects, human mental health, healthy lifestyle, screen time, depression, isolation, relationship issues.
Introduction:
The advent of smartphones and social media has brought significant changes to modern society, with profound implications for mental health. Smartphones have transformed the ways people communicate, learn, and entertain themselves; however, their constant presence can lead to compulsive use and psychological dependency. Continuous streams of notifications and updates often create a sense of urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO), increasing anxiety and stress levels. Moreover, excessive smartphone use can interfere with sleep quality, an essential component of mental well-being.
Similarly, social media platforms, while offering opportunities for connection and self-expression, can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Frequent comparisons with others and the desire for validation through likes and comments may distort an individual’s self-perception, ultimately leading to decreased self-worth and emotional instability.
Main Body:
Mobile phones and their impact on the mental health of children and young people have increasingly become a subject of concern and academic inquiry. While mobile phones provide numerous advantages—including access to information, communication, and learning tools—they may also pose several risks to psychological well-being. The extent of these effects can vary based on individual factors such as age, frequency of use, and the type of digital content consumed.
Increased Anxiety Levels:
Excessive smartphone use can lead to heightened anxiety, often referred to as “digital detox anxiety,” which occurs when individuals are separated from their phones for extended periods. This anxiety may manifest through physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and heart palpitations. Additionally, delayed responses to messages or missed social media notifications can trigger similar stress.
Social media further exacerbates this issue by encouraging constant comparisons with seemingly perfect lives online. Such comparisons foster feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, increasing stress and anxiety. Individuals addicted to smartphones may spend more time scrolling through social media than engaging in face-to-face interactions, leading to social isolation.
Difficulty Sleeping:
Exposure to blue light emitted by smartphone screens, particularly within two hours of bedtime, can disrupt melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. This can result in difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep, poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and worsened mental health outcomes. Keeping a smartphone nearby during sleep increases the likelihood of being woken by notifications and elevates pre-sleep stress levels, further impairing sleep quality.
Isolation from Social Interactions:
Smartphone addiction can reduce real-world social engagement with family, friends, and peers. Constantly checking for updates or notifications limits meaningful face-to-face interactions, potentially leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Depression:
Frequent comparisons with idealized social media content can contribute to feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy, which may develop into depression. Prolonged exposure to social media has been linked to higher rates of depressive symptoms, particularly among individuals prone to negative thinking. Withdrawal from smartphone use may also trigger depressive feelings, including loneliness, irritability, fatigue, and frustration, creating a vicious cycle that reinforces mental health challenges.
Decreased Academic or Work Performance:
Overuse of smartphones can negatively affect performance in work or academic settings. Constant checking of notifications or browsing social media detracts from time that should be devoted to tasks, resulting in lower productivity, decreased academic achievement, and increased stress.
Relationship Issues:
Smartphone addiction can strain personal relationships. Frequent phone use in the presence of others may cause feelings of neglect, tension, and conflict. Spending more time online than engaging in meaningful conversations with family or partners can reduce intimacy and weaken emotional bonds.
Conclusion:
Smartphone addiction can significantly impact both personal relationships and work or academic performance. Excessive use often leads to social isolation, reduced face-to-face interactions, and strained relationships with family, friends, or partners. In professional or academic contexts, constant checking of notifications and social media can distract individuals from important tasks, decreasing productivity and increasing stress.
By recognizing the signs of smartphone addiction—such as compulsive checking, anxiety when separated from the device, or neglecting real-world responsibilities—individuals and mental health providers can take proactive steps to manage usage effectively. Interventions may include setting screen-time limits, scheduling digital detox periods, and promoting alternative offline activities that encourage social engagement, physical activity, and relaxation.
With consistent effort and dedication, it is possible to reduce the negative effects of smartphone addiction, fostering a healthier balance between technology use and real-world responsibilities. Cultivating self-awareness and practicing mindful technology use can significantly improve mental well-being, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life.
References:
https://ensorahealth.com/blog/how-do-smartphones-affect-mental-health/
Yang, Z., Huang, J., Li, Z., … The effect of smartphone addiction on the relationship between psychological stress reaction and bedtime procrastination in young adults during the COVID‑19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry, 23, 813 (2023).
Park, J.‑Y., va Yoo, H. Smartphone addiction and its psychopathological consequences: behavioural, social and physical effects. (Kemas 19 (2), 2023
Alzhrani, A., Elsheikh, B., va boshqalar, Effect of Excessive Smartphone Usage on Sleep Quality and Psychological Distress Among Healthcare Students. IAPS Journal of Practice in Mental Health (2024)







