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Previous research has indicated a surge in smartphone use among adolescents recently. This trend may lead to psychological disorders and issues related to sleep, eyes, and musculoskeletal health. Simultaneously, mounting evidence suggests that moderate daily internet usage can enhance the physical and mental well-being of teenagers. Researchers from the Hanyang University Medical Center in Korea have presented their findings on smartphone usage in the PLOS ONE journal.
Research Overview
Scientists analyzed data from over 50,000 adolescent participants in a web-based study on risky behavior in Korea, collected between 2017 and 2020. This data included the approximate number of daily hours each participant spent on their smartphones and various health indicators. The statistical analysis considered other factors, including age, gender, and socio-economic status.
In 2020, researchers found that the percentage of teenagers using smartphones for over 2 hours a day increased to 85.7%, compared to 64.3% in 2017.
Impact of Excessive Smartphone Use on Teenagers’ Mental Well-being
The connection between smartphone usage time and adverse health outcomes became apparent after surpassing 4 hours per day. Adolescents using smartphones for 2–4 hours a day did not show an increase in adverse health effects. However, smartphone usage exceeding 4 hours a day was significantly associated with increased stress perception, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse.
The authors note that this study does not confirm a cause-and-effect relationship between gadget use and adverse health outcomes. Nevertheless, the results can contribute to the development of recommendations for smartphone use and educational programs promoting responsible content consumption. This is particularly important as daily smartphone usage continues to rise.
