How mobile phones modify our brain

Mobile cell phones have become an indispensable tool for the daily life of humans. At present, it is normal for us to trust our devices to focus on more important ones. This need to be connected to the devices has caused scientists to wonder: how do mobile phones have changed our brain?

Although, in general, the media promote the idea that mobile dependence is harmful, the answer is more complex. The scientific evidence indicates that the relationship of human beings with mobile devices has more faces than we see almost always.

Content

• Should we worry about how mobiles can change our brain?
  • Disadvantages of mobile phones
    • 1. Sleep conditions
    • 2. Physical and Mental Health Problems
  • Advantages of mobile phones
    • 1. Promotes learning
    • 2. Facilitates social interaction
    • 3. Increases the independence of vulnerable populations
• Conclusions
  • References

Should we worry about how mobiles can change our brain?

Frequently, we find contents on the Internet and television about the dangers of using electronic devices too much. It is normal that we see articles warning parents about the risks that their children run for a long time in front of a screen. It is even common to listen to people from generations who grew up without these teams to talk about how social relations have damaged.

In general, a negative idea tends to promote when the theme of the use of technology is addressed. Although, at the same time, we increasingly make a more intensive use of this. So, it is inevitable to ask ourselves: did mobile phones modify our brain? And if so, how cell phones have changed our brain?

While the impact that mobile technology in our lives has had undeniable, not everything is black or white. Next, we will see the advantages and disadvantages that cell phones have in human society to better understand this issue.

Disadvantages of mobile phones

There is a lot of scientific evidence that associates the excessive use of mobile devices with different health problems. This can partly explain the tendency of the media and society in general to have a negative perception of technology.

1. Sleep conditions

An investigation by Alshobali and Alyousefi (2019) focused on observing the effects of using the mobile at bedtime. Studio participants were non -medical staff at King Saud University in Riyadh. It was concluded that those participants who used their phone at bedtime, especially for more than 60 minutes, had more sleeping problems.

The reason is that cell phones and other electronic devices emit a type of light known as light blue. This light makes it possible to see your phone's screen clearly even when it is day. The problem is that they can deceive the brain making him believe that he is still day and disturbing sleep patterns.

2. Physical and Mental Health Problems

On the other hand, a systematic review of how cell phones have changed our brain discovered their impact on mental and physical health. There is conclusive evidence that excessive use of smartphones is related to low self -esteem, impulsivity, lack of emotional regulation and shyness. On a physical level, it is linked to lack of physical activity, migraines, pain and unhealthy feeding habits (Wacks and Weinstein, 2021).

Advantages of mobile phones

As we mentioned at the beginning, not everything is negative when it comes to the use of cell phones. There is scientific evidence that also supports several benefits that these devices have in our lives. Next, we will see some of the most relevant.

1. Promotes learning

A study by Wang, Hsieh and Kung (2022) evaluated the impact of mobile devices in an educational environment. A group of students were involved in activities where smartphones were used frequently. While the other was limited to use these devices in an important way. After analyzing the data, it was discovered that the group with the greatest access to cell phones obtained better academic results than the other.

2. Facilitates social interaction

Another research mentions that cell phones help reduce the stress of daily life and promote social interaction. People can use their devices to connect with family, friends, couple and even to create new links. This reduces unwanted loneliness and improves the general well -being of individuals.

3. Increases the independence of vulnerable populations

The same study mentioned above indicates that mobile devices can help the vulnerable groups of the population to be more independent. For example, older people who live with disabilities can delegate multiple tasks to their cell phones that could be difficult for them. By increasing its independence, it also improves its self -esteem and quality of life.

Conclusions

Taking into account the above, we can have a better idea of ​​how cell phones have changed our brain today. On the one hand, you can facilitate learning, promote social life, self -esteem and autonomy. At the opposite end, the problematic use of these devices can deteriorate the quality of life significantly.

Therefore, it is possible to affirm that cell phones are neither good nor bad for us. The reality is that it is our responsibility to make intelligent and healthy use of these. In this way we can take advantage of its positive potential and minimize life risks.

Mobile phone addiction test

References

• Alshobaili, f. TO., & Alyousefi, N. TO. (2019). The Effect of Smartphone Usage AT Bedtime On Sleep Quality Among Saudi Non-Medical Staff At King Saud University Medical City. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 8(6), 1953.
• Gowthami, s., & Kumar, S. V. K. (2016). IMPACT OF SMARTPHONE: A PILOT STUDY ON POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS. International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Applied Science, 2(3), 473-478.
• Wacks, and., & Weinstein, A. M. (2021). Excess Smartphone Use is Associated With Health Problems In Adolescents and Young Adults. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 762.