Excessive Use Of The Mobile: Pathologies And Advice

The confinement has caused the use of mobile devices to skyrocket. But excessive use can lead to problems for young and old.

Mobile Pathologies

Did you know that before the state of alarm was decreed. Spaniards spent an average of 3 hours and 15 minutes using their mobile phone? And how has that use skyrocketed to 5 hours and 5 minutes in just a month and a half? This is indicate by a study by Puntronic, an online sales portal for household appliances. The curious thing is that this figure is increase. In the population range from 16 to 25 years, whose average is 6 hours and 20 minutes.

This same best study indicates that 50% of Spaniards look at their mobile once every 5 minutes, and 80% recognize that. It is the last thing they see at the end of the day and go to sleep and the first thing they consult. In the morning when they wake up. To these questions, we must also add that in the last month the sales of these devices increased by 35%.

Pathologies Due To Excessive Use Of The Mobile

But, what consequences can this have for students and adults so many hours ‘hooked’ on their smartphones? The following concepts are consider’ pathologies’ relate to this problem. Do you know them?

From

This acronym comes from English (‘fear of missing out) and means ‘fear of missing something. It is mainly relate to social networks, and those suffering from this syndrome constantly need to stay connected and. Inform of everything their friends are doing or what is happening in their city. But it is not about suffering an irrational fear of misinformation. Still. Because they do not want anyone to think that they have missed something of what one of their friends says or does. An interesting piece of news.  That other people can do funnier things or are popular or fear. Being ‘out’ for not having shared a viral campaign.

Another manifestation of this pathology consists of suffering anxiety due to not having the latest smartphone on the market or believing that some significant technological advance will lost. It can also lead to associated anxiety and depression disorders.

Nomophobia

This other neologism (‘no-mobile-phone phobia’) is related to the fear of disconnection: that the battery runs out. Not have enough coverage. That the mobile phone breaks… But above all. It is associate with the fear of going outside without carrying it with you (usually because you have forgotten it at home). What is describe is an anxiety disorder with all its manifestations (tachycardia, obsessive thoughts. Headache or stomach pain, sweating.) due to not being able to use the mobile. And which originates because being permanently connect with others produces a dependency that manifests itself in the form of anxiety when that communication is not possible on time. According to this study, people with nomophobia suffer from a need for high social acceptance, low self-esteem and insecurity.

Vibranxiaety

We were also know as ‘phantom vibration’. It is an error of the brain that is alert to external signals and has its origin in the obsession or dependence on the sound or vibration of the mobile. That is: we think that we have heard our smartphone ring or vibrate when it has not. And this happens because phone notifications provoke a positive emotional response that causes the brain to generate dopamine. Which is the neurotransmitter that deals with pleasure, motivation or desire. This substance is also the one that is related to addictions because if a stimulus causes pleasure, our brain will seek to repeat it.

It is estimate that 80% of people feel these phantom vibrations at some time; therefore, it is relatively standard. Still, if their frequency is high or very high. It may be because the brain behaves concerning the mobile as it would behave the brain of a drug addict before the substance is consume.

Technological Insomnia

Not so many years ago, people went to bed and read before sleeping or watching television. Now, watching videos, answering WhatsApp, playing games or. Taking a last look at social network has become the most widespread nighttime habit among Spaniards: 8 out of ten say that it is the last thing they do before going to sleep.

Well, the blue light emitted by these device inhibits the secretion of melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep. Therefore, when mobiles and tablets are use before going to sleep, the drowsiness disappears, and episodes of insomnia. In the long run, can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, strokes, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and depression.

Phubbing or Ningufoneo

The ‘no phone’ or ‘Phubbing’ is one of the unmistakable signs that. The person suffers from a smartphone addiction (or at least a very unhealthy relationship with the device). The term refers to ignoring or ignoring others and the environment where they are because they are focus on their mobile. This phenomenon can cause social isolation, depression, deterioration of interpersonal relationships and low self-esteem.

Tendinitis In The Thumbs And Other Injuries

The new fashionable term is ‘Whatsapp it is. Which refers to the addition to this messaging application, and typing messages for hours on mobile also has consequences. For some time now. Trauma clinics have detect an increase. In cases of patients with tendonitis in both hands due to the excessive use of these devices that forces them to adopt a forced and tense position. And at the same time. The index fingers receive an unreasonable load since they have to hold. The device with a force equivalent to the pressure of the thumbs when writing, which also produces tendonitis in the index fingers. On the other hand. Mobile phones are also causing pain in the neck. Arms and sword due to their excessive use by adopting inappropriate postures.

Eye damage

Looking at a backlit screen progressively damages the retina and causes dryness. (Even more so if contact lenses are use) in the eyes. Blurred vision, photophobia and headache. Specifically. The most harmful thing is to look at these screens in the dark or for many hours at a time.

 Google Effect

The internet opens up a world full of possibilities for us regarding obtaining. Information and helps us find data quickly and efficiently. But if, for example. We depend on Google or other similar search engines for everything we do or talk on a day-to-day basis. The brain can refuse to remember information since it knows that we have the possibility of accessing it at any time. And more simply.

Tips to avoid excessive mobile use

– Deactivate notifications from social networks, messages, and apps and reserve a limited time to consult them.

– Ask our family and friends to call us if there is something urgent instead of sending us messages.

– Do not have the phone at hand when we study or go to the bathroom.

– Stop using the mobile at least two hours before going to sleep. And try to fall asleep reading a book in bed. In addition, it is preferable to use an old-fashioned alarm clock and, if possible, leave the smartphone in another room.

– Carry out other activities that replace the use of the mobile phone, such as exercising or going for walks. Cooking, reading a non-electronic book, or practising some craft.

– At family breakfasts, lunches and dinners, remove the mobile from the table.

– Maintain a correct posture, so its use does not damage our cervicals and muscles. Put the mobile at a reasonable distance. Neither too close nor too far away and try not to use it for more than ten minutes at a time.