The number of socially connected smartphone users is increasing. People walk while playing on their phones, use them while commuting, and even sneak a look at them during work. Playing on the phone before bed has become the norm for most people. Prolonged use of smartphones can affect attention and sleep, which is a relatively obvious harm. The original intention of checking the phone was to search for specific information, but soon they forget the purpose, tapping here and there, busy and preoccupied, unable to part with their phones even when it’s time to sleep.
Research shows that excessive smartphone use can lead to depression in adolescents. A report titled “Social Media and Young People’s Mental Health” published by the Royal Society for Public Health in the UK stated that among individuals aged 16 to 24, 91% use social networks. Those who use them for more than 2 hours a day have a higher tendency for poor mental health, which may include issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Recently, the Journal of the American Medical Association also published an article stating that excessive use of social media leads to depression in adolescents, with longer usage times correlating with more severe conditions.
Why is the issue of depression mainly occurring in adolescents? It stems from their immature stage of development, where they lack the judgment to assess information. When they see various glamorous images online and compare them to their own ordinary lives, it can easily lead to negative emotions such as anxiety and unease, ultimately decreasing their satisfaction with personal life.
