Is Your Phone Making You Sad?

If you’re anything like me, it doesn’t get a scientific research for you to know you’re definitely on your phone very little, and I’m not just talking about using it to connect with friends, family, and associates. I’m talking about all the other things. &nbsp,

For instance, last evening, I wrote my last article for the day for PJM, grabbed the text I’m currently reading, and hopped in the bathtub for a nice soothing bath. Half an hour later, I realized I hadn’t also opened the book, but I had researched some facts for another post I’m working on, looked up some things to do for an upcoming vacation I’m taking, learn a few posts on Twitchy, and perused Facebook and Instagram. &nbsp,

It turns out that getting too much screen time on your phone is bad for your mental health. Again, it probably didn’t take a scientific study to prove this, but we now have some supporting evidence. &nbsp,

Researchers at Georgetown University, the Veterans Administration, the University of Alberta, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of British Columbia conducted a study on 467 people, ages 18 to 74, that required those people to stay off their smartphones unless they were receiving phone calls and texts. Essentially, they weren’t allowed to use any app or services that required the internet. &nbsp,

The researchers say they weren’t overly strict about the rules. People could still use their phones for communication, and they could still use other devices, such as computers and tablets, for internet activities. According to NewsNation,” The intent was to find out only how much smartphone web engagement people could do without, as opposed to general internet accessibility” .&nbsp,

While participants reported that it was difficult initially, they eventually felt better overall. According to researchers, the participants ‘ attention spans increased by 91 % over the course of two weeks thanks to the activities and assessments they conducted. 71 % of those involved said their overall mood improved, and 73 % reported a better general well-being. One of the researchers told NPR,” The effects on attention were about as big as if participants had become 10 years younger.” &nbsp,

To be honest, the majority of the study seemed to be something you could probably guess without doing any research, but there were a few things that did surprise me. For instance, many of the participants were unable to complete a full two-week period without having access to the internet on their phones. The researchers ‘ finding that even just taking fewer breaks, perhaps an hour or two a day, can help your mental health was encouraging. Positive mental health outcomes were achieved by even those who didn’t finish the study. &nbsp,

Whether it was through their relationships with people or the natural world, they felt more in tune with the world around them. They had better sleep and focused on their favorite hobbies and activities. &nbsp,

Personally, I’d been trying that myself before I even read about the study. For instance, I used to play games on my phone before going to bed at night before bed, but lately, I’ve been attempting to read a few chapters of a book instead. Even when I’m successful, it does make me feel better and more confident that I’ve actually accomplished something than just passing time. It also helps me sleep better, I think. &nbsp,

I am also aware that there are times when I forget about my phone for an hour or two while being fully engaged in the real world. It’s a shock to my system. I had a lunch date last Friday, and before I knew it, two hours of fruitful in-person conversations had already ended. Personally, I’d like to make an effort to have more of those moments going forward. &nbsp,

What about you? Do you make a point of putting your phone away for a while after reading PJ Media, of course? What effects have you had?

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