Countries around the globe have been experiencing a period of continuous technological innovation since the beginning of the millennium. This advancement has increased the time people spend staring at digital devices such as mobile phones (Maurya et al.). With billions of users in modern societies today, the cell phone provides rapid and efficient communication. It demonstrates new and less-inclusive forms of communities bound to those who may afford one, with uprising dilemmas surrounding the crucial psychological impacts on users (Sela et al.). These effects illustrate a profound impact compared to technological changes over time due to the addictive nature of the device versus the benefits. Cell phone use has a positive impact since it acts as a coping mechanism and has adverse effects impairing behavior, cognitive function, and neural connections.
The cause of cell phone use among young adults can be classified based on physiological and psychological urges. The physical urge is predominantly based on the cell phone’s efficiency in facilitating interaction. The digital era has created pressure for the need for virtual communication, especially with the prevalence of social media platform use (Sela et al.). Cellular video games and functional applications are features that cause repetitive phone use among young adults. Most young adults are compelled to use their phones frequently due to the video games available at their disposal.
Additionally, escaping boredom is a significant trigger in excessive cell phone use since it helps avoid uncomfortable situations and access entertainment (Sela et al.). For instance, sophisticated cell phone systems make access to music and videos more accessible, enabling users to experience unlimited entertainment. All these factors trigger a constant urge for cell phone use among young adults.
Another psychological cause of cell phone use among young adults is mental health issues. Maurya et al. mentions that females use their cell phones to cope with negative emotions, including loneliness and depression. Music is one of the entertainment features that most people consider when dealing with challenges since it helps establish a better connection with the self (Maurya et al.) This dependence leads to excessive use of phones among young adults due to the short-term benefits such as relieving stress and curbing negative emotions. All these factors can influence the need for phone use among young adults.
Mobile phones have made communication more efficient while providing a source of social interaction and entertainment. Considering the numerous features available such as games and videos, young adults have had the opportunity to develop coping mechanisms that contribute to mental stability when confronted with stressors (Maurya et al.). Users of mobile phone games experience a boost in their sense of self-esteem due to the numerous seemingly inconsequential victories they rack up while playing (Maurya et al.). This accomplishment assists them in maintaining self-control, an important social skill necessary for maintaining healthy habits.
Despite the various advantages of cell phone use, chronic use of these gadgets has detrimental physiological and psychological consequences. Constant cell phone use is addictive and interferes with the brain’s normal functioning and other mental processes. One disadvantage is that continuous phone use among young adults since it results in decreased quality of life due to deprivation of sleep and physical activity (Maurya et al.).
Phone use is addictive, causing young adults to have reduced sleep since excessive screen time results in sleep problems, insufficient sleep, and insomnia. This factor indicates that phone use can cause sleep disturbance by creating new behavior patterns concerning rest (Maurya et al.). Another problem is that phone use could result in poor physical activity, considering that more time spent on the phone interferes with normal behavioral patterns.
Unaware smartphone use is associated with addiction development, considering that most users do not keep track of the time spent on the phone. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) severity is a well-validated predictor of phone use addiction. People with ADD may have greater addictive smartphone use patterns since it increases positive feelings they receive from using their phones continuously (Sela et al.). This impairment causes inattention, poor judgment, and impulsivity. In addition, it causes neural disassociation, a trauma that impairs mental processes (Sela et al.). Cell phones diminish the functional connectivity between various brain regions, thereby impairing mental functions. These factors suggest that cell phone use can have detrimental physical and psychological impacts on the user.
The use of cell phones is unavoidable among young adults because it not only makes communication and entertainment more accessible but also provides a potential outlet for coping with the pressures of modern life. Phone addiction is linked to conditions such as attention deficit disorder and depression and is associated with adverse effects on mental health. Excessive use of mobile devices has been linked to disturbed sleep patterns, cognitive impairment, and disconnection of neural pathways. Based on these considerations, it is clear that using a phone can have both advantages and disadvantages, depending on frequency of use.
Works Cited
Sela, Alon, Noam Rozenboim, and Hila Chalutz Ben-Gal. “Smartphone use behavior and quality of life: What is the role of awareness?” PloS One, vol. 17, no. 3, 2022, p. 1. Web.
Maurya, Chanda, et al. “The association of smartphone screen time with sleep problems among adolescents and young adults: cross-sectional findings from India.” BMC Public Health, vol. 22, no. 1. 2022, p. NA. Gale Academic OneFile. Web.