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Smartphone overuse may 'damage' eyes, say opticians

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Smartphone overuse may 'damage' eyes, say opticians

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People are so addicted to their cellphones eye doctors say it can increase their eye damage and possible lead to a long term damage.

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They are warning overuse from phones and other devices like computers, tablets, and flat screen TVs can lead to long-term damage.

It comes as a survey of 2,000 people suggests under 25s check their phones thirty-two times a day.

Optician Andy Hepworth said: "Blue violet light is potentially hazardous and toxic to the back of your eyes.

"So over a long period of time it can potentially damage your eyes.

"When you're looking at a smart phone, the light peaking out of that is blue violet."

He says tests have found that over exposure to blue-violet light has the potential to put us at greater risk of macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.

Opticians say that, although "good" blue light (blue-turquoise) is needed to help regulate biological clocks, it is also thought that extensive exposure to blue violet light can disrupting sleep patterns and affect moods.

"Although we don't know if there's a direct link with it creating eye problems, there is strong lab evidence it can potentially do that," Andy added.

"It's the combination of not blinking enough and bringing the device closer than you normally look at objects - it strains your eyes."
'More headaches'
The survey, commissioned by a group of independent opticians, found that on average, an adult spends nearly seven hours a day staring at a screen with nearly half feeling anxious when away from their phone.

Statistics also suggest 43% of under 25s experience genuine irritation or anxiety when they can't check their phone when they want.

It also found 55% felt the amount of screen time they're exposed to affects them with eye discomfort the main problem.

Eighteen-year-old Alana Chinery from Essex is never without her smart phone.

She said: "I've definitely noticed that my eyes are getting worse from staring at my computer and phone.

"I am getting more headaches."

Amanda Saint, who is also an optician, says the advice is simple.

"Get your eyes tested regularly and take regular breaks from your computer and hand held device."

Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter

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Smartphone overuse may 'damage' eyes, say opticians

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They are warning overuse from phones and other devices like computers, tablets, and flat screen TVs can lead to long-term damage. It comes as a survey of 2,000 people suggests under 25s check their phones thirty-two times a day. Optician Andy Hepworth said: "Blue violet light is potentially hazardous and toxic to the back of your eyes.

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12 Unexpected Symptoms of Phone Addiction  

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12 Unexpected Symptoms of Phone Addiction  

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this article sates 12 unexpected symptoms that you may not think you have . A huge amount of people especially teenagers are addicted to cellphones witch is bad because they're developing an addiction at an early age.   d c

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At least 3 of these phone addiction symptoms will be completely new to you. You might be shocked to discover which ones...

A staggering amount of people, especially teens, are addicted to smartphones.

This increased usage of smartphones has led to a lot of physical and psychological effects that are harmful for the well-being of these individuals.

This issue is so serious that a word has been invented just for it: Nomophobia. This term is given to phone addicts that completely lose their mind when they are away from their phones.

The smartphone was invented to keep us connected to the world, our friends, and family. However, its over-use has become a major reason of keeping us disconnected from our real relations.

This misuse of technology has severe consequences, among which the most prominent symptoms are given below.

1. Increased Levels of Stress

People that compulsively check their phones every minute are extremely addicted to it. Their mind and body constantly remains under stress due to their habit of checking their phones after short intervals.

When you are on a vacation, where you are supposed to feel stress-free, you check your phone first thing in the morning. You chat with your colleagues and get anxious about your work.

The fact that you can check your phone and get updates from work, you are putting a lot of work-stress on your mind.

1a. Stress on Fingers

A research conducted in the University of Zurich recorded the brain activity of smartphone addicts with an EEG.

The scientists found that the participants that constantly use their smartphones have a high level of brain activity every time they touch their fingers on their phone's screen.

This increased electrical activity in the brain results in severe stress on the fingers and the mind.

1b. Stress on the Mind

After a long and hectic day at work, many people excessively use their phones.

Working hours are enough stressful to drain you off energy. However, phone addicts still feel the need of putting their mind under massive stress.

Not only their eye muscles get tired, their energy levels deteriorate.

1c. Stress on the Body

When you use your phone, you look down at it.

Tilting your head forward puts a strain on your neck and back and results in a permanently disturbed posture.

This tilting of head puts a lot of stress on your neck, shoulder, and cervical spine, which can turn into chronic back pain in the long run.

People who are addicted to phones find it hard to unplug from work and social networks.

At night, lying on the bed, one should focus on giving the mind and body some rest and this is exactly what sleep is for.

However, constantly checking your phone and keeping it next to your pillow is doing more damage than you ever imagined. Letting your phone usage invade your sleep is the worst thing you are doing to your mind and body.

This over-use of technology may lead to stress, less productivity, lower energy levels, difficulty concentrating, and lower brain activity.

Melatonin, a chemical in our body, plays an important role in our natural sleep-wake cycle. This chemical interprets light and darkness and sends a signal to the body when it is night time, the time to sleep.

However, when we make use of phones at night, melatonin mistakes the artificial light for daytime. As a result, we find it hard to sleep which causes various sleeping disorders including insomnia.

With the introduction of smartphones, we are able to connect to the world with just a click.

However, this efficient technology has several drawbacks that directly impact our mind and body. The anxiousness that comes by hearing a small ping causes severe anxiety.

The constant urge of checking the phone and finding no message on it results in stress. People start to stress their mind and worry about not getting any message.

Many phone addicts wait for a message to come, which causes stress and anxiety.

We have become highly dependent on our phones and limited our brain activity and learning experience because we have everything saved on our phones. We no longer feel the need of learning something because it is on our phones which travels everywhere with us.

People using smartphones feel socially obligated to stay connected to social networks, which keeps them hooked to the device, giving them no time to relax.

4. Depression

People nowadays prefer virtual communication instead of a face-to-face one.

People that are addicted to their phones find it hard to stay away from them. Such people then feel strong withdrawal symptoms when they cannot have their phones including severe depression.

A lot of depression is caused when we are anxiously waiting for a text-message or a call but do not receive one.

Our minds start to think " why didn't he/she call me back?", " why isn't he replying to me?", " My friends are busy texting but I am alone ", etc.

We are so much influenced by our phones that we cannot think of a world where phones don't exist.

5. Aggressiveness

Smartphone is a valuable technology that has its benefits. However, getting addicted to it may cause several behavioral shifts and problems including aggression.

The people that constantly use their phones are unable to look away from them. In some cases, the addiction is so worse that people feel angry when their phone is taken away from them.

A great number of teens do not let anyone touch their phones. When they lose their phones, they show signs of aggression which results in constant mood swings, feeling of unhappiness, and irritation on little things.

6. Delinquency

Addiction to phone can make a person careless and cause several behavioral issues. Many people are so addicted to their phones that they can't keep it away while driving, eating, studying, talking to someone, etc.

Such people are misusing the technology, which has a severe impact on their behavior. Phone addicts believe that using a phone while in a face-to-face conversation isn't rude. Teens often use their phone while studying for their exams, which results in poor GPA.

Moreover, people who are addicted to their phones use them wherever they go. Whether it is a funeral, a family gathering, or school, they constantly stay busy with their phones.

7. An inability to stop the use of cell phone despite knowing you will be faced with negative consequences

One of the major symptoms that have been noted in people with excessive use of phones is that they find it hard to leave their phones for good.

Children and teens that cover a greater percentage of phone addicts often fail to understand the consequences that this over-use of technology may have on their lives.

When therapists or medical experts tell them about the health problems linked to over-use of phones, they simply ignore it. Phone addiction is very similar to alcohol addiction. People abusing alcohol know that it could potentially harm their health and in worst cases take away their lives.

However, they continue to drink without thinking about its negative effects. The same goes for people who use their phone as they drive or perform other daily tasks.

8. Difficulties experienced in relating with other people

Addiction to smartphones causes relationships and friendships to break.

People that constantly use their phones can't keep away from them. They feel the obligation of constantly checking on their phones. Whether they are hanging out with friends or family, they simply can't look away from their phones.

As a result, people around them feel upset. For example, using a smartphone while on a date with your significant other might make them infuriated. Things like these are included in phone etiquettes that most of us fail to understand.

By using our phones, we disconnect ourselves with the real world, which is a huge problem that causes relationships to break.

Smart phones were invented to keep us connected to the world. However, people in today's world have taken it to the next level by isolating themselves from the real world.

They are so much engrossed in fancy applications, exciting games, and interesting conversations that they fail to make valuable interactions and fulfill their commitments.

Using your phone while in a company is not only rude but it also breaks the social flow of conversations.

9. Craving more time with your phone

When you can't stay away from your phone for more than 15 minutes, you are addicted to it. People often feel excited and anxious to explore new things in their phones. This includes downloading interesting apps and games.

Phone addicts usually can't have enough of their phones, which is why they can't put it away for even a second. At night, many phone users keep themselves forcefully awake in order to use their phones to chat, socialize, watch videos, and play games.

Today's phones are extremely dynamic, they let us use internet, connect to friends in other countries, and get non-stop entertainment, which is why people find it more interesting to stay awake and use their phones instead of sleeping.

People have become so dependent on their phones for everything including communication, news, updates, and assignments that they don't find the need of limiting their phone usage.

Moreover, when people can't use their phones at work, they are desperate to use it after working hours which not only puts stress on their minds but their bodies as well.

10. Neglecting spending time with your family and friends

Smartphone was introduced to help people connect in a better way. In olden days, it was extremely hard to talk to a loved one in another continent. However, people started to use phones for everything.

Today, when people are attending an event or are part of a social gathering, they are engrossed in their phones instead of conversing with the people around them.

Adolescents are most affected by phones than anyone else.

People nowadays are practically married to their cell phones because they are constantly in contact with them. Those days are long gone when you could hang with friends and family without being distracted.

Those were the days when people would actually spend valuable time with their loved ones. Today, when a person goes out for lunch with friends, he/she stays busy socializing with other friends rather than socializing with the people physically present in front of them.

Many parents have been reported to complain about this excessive use of cell phone and some have even confiscated it. This excessive usage of phone can cause fights, arguments, and even loss of relationships.

11. Changes in the sleep patterns

Phone usage at nighttime has been linked to disturbed sleeping patterns by several medical experts and researchers. Artificial light from a phone can damage our melatonin signals so much so that we cannot sleep on time.

Moreover, using the phone for entertainment purpose makes us want to stay awake for longer hours. Constant repetition of this schedule disrupts our natural sleeping patterns.

Such people usually sleep less than seven hours, which causes several health risks including diabetes, heart problems, depression, inability to concentrate, poor memory, inactive mind, and learning problems.

12. Not taking part in healthy activities

Why put stress on the mind to solve a problem when you can simply find it online through your smartphone? Phones have become the solution to everything and not every time these solutions are for our benefit.

Sometimes, when a person is too addicted to a phone, he/she fails to take part in all the healthy activities including brainstorming, learning, walking, socializing, etc.

People find answer to their problems with the help of a single click and that's the reason they avoid the effort.

Habits like socialization suffer greatly due to phone addiction.

People prefer staying connected to their phones while at an occasion or meeting. They are going away from healthy forms of communication to spend time in communicating through technology.

Moreover, they use phones to search for assignments instead of going out doing practical research. Many things like these are taking us away from healthy activities that have a positive impact on our lives.

Every child of this generation owns a smartphone. They prefer playing games on their phones instead of going out in a natural setting with friends.

They like playing virtual football rather than playing it in actual fields, which keeps them away from healthy physical activity that they can highly benefit from.

Smartphone technology was created to serve us in a positive way, to connect us to the world, and to help us explore. However, this technology has been put to the wrong use and many of us are getting addicted to it.

There are real dangers to smart phone addiction including prominent physical and mental disorders. It is important to manage your smart phone use and avoid exploiting the technology.

Appreciate the technology that has been provided to you instead of letting it rule your life.

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At least 3 of these phone addiction symptoms will be completely new to you. You might be shocked to discover which ones... A staggering amount of people, especially teens, are addicted to smartphones. This increased usage of smartphones has led to a lot of physical and psychological effects that are harmful for the well-being of ...

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Signs and Symptoms of Cell Phone Addiction

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Signs and Symptoms of Cell Phone Addiction

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this article answers my question because it states signs and symptoms of cellphone addiction,physical affects of cell phone addiction, and psychological affects.
when you overuse your self phone sometimes you may experience some physical affects.For example you can get into a car accident trying to multitask while driving but your just distracting yourself from the task at hand,"researchers say texting and driving is just as dangerous as drinking and driving."    This article describes many symptoms of how you may be addicted to your phone . for example you can get a withdraw from your phone meaning you get furious or depressed when your phone is either dead or  theirs no internet service because what is a phone without wifi or service.  if you or someone you know are interested in getting rehab  for cell phone addiction you can call 1-866-247-9047.

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Table of Contents

Signs and Symptoms of Cell Phone Addiction

Physical Effects of Addiction

Psychological Effects of Cell Phone Addiction

Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted to my Smartphone?

The recent explosion of iPhones, Androids, and other smartphones has provided people with the ability to access the entirety of the Internet on-the-go and at any given moment. 90% of adults in America own a cell phone, ¹ and while this may not be a problem for many people, some individuals develop an addiction to their mobile devices.

90% of American adults own a cell phone.¹

Cell phones are constantly being improved by expanding upon their functionalities, which in turn increases the likelihood of overuse and addiction. According to the PEW Research Center, 67% of smartphone owners have admitted to checking their phone for calls or messages when their phone didn't vibrate or ring. ¹ This is one major sign of cell phone dependence and should serve as a warning to cell phone owners.

Signs and Symptoms of Cell Phone Addiction

Although cell phone addiction is not yet listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5 th Edition (DSM-5), research has compared it to gambling addiction, which has clearer diagnostic criteria and is included in the DSM-5.

At least 4 of the following signs and symptoms are thought to comprise criteria for cell phone addiction, and the problematic cell phone overuse must cause significant harm in the individual's life: 2,3

A need to use the cell phone more and more often in order to achieve the same desired effect.

Persistent failed attempts to use cell phone less often.

Preoccupation with smartphone use.

Turns to cell phone when experiencing unwanted feelings such as anxiety or depression.

Excessive use characterized by loss of sense of time.

Has put a relationship or job at risk due to excessive cell phone use.

Tolerance.
Need for newest cell phone, more applications, or increased use.

Withdrawal, when cell phone or network is unreachable.

If you or a loved one displays these signs and symptoms of cell phone addiction, help is readily available. Call the phone number above to speak with a treatment specialist about various recovery options.

Physical Effects of Addiction

Overuse of your cell phone or smartphone can result in a number of different physical problems that may cause permanent damage or be difficult to treat, including:

Digital eye strain.⁴

The pain and discomfort associated with viewing a digital screen for over 2 hours.

Eyes begin to burn and itch.

Blurred vision.

Eye fatigue.

Digital Eye Strain can cause headaches.

Neck problems.
Also known as "text neck," which refers to neck pain resulting from looking down at cell phone or tablet for too long.⁵

Increased illnesses due to germs.⁶

1 in 6 cell phones has fecal matter on it.

E. coli bacteria, which can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, is found on many phones.

Phones have been found to be contaminated with MRSA.

Causes painful abscesses.

Life-threatening infections in bones, joints, surgical wounds, bloodstream, heart valves, and lungs.

Car accidents.

Many people believe that they can multitask and use their phones while driving, but this causes significant impairment and puts the driver and others on the road in danger.

Research has revealed that texting and driving can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving.⁷

Male infertility.
Preliminary studies have revealed that cell phone radiation may decrease sperm count, sperm motility and viability.⁸

Psychological Effects of Cell Phone Addiction

Sleep disturbances.⁹

Cell phone addiction has been linked to an increase in sleep disorders and fatigue in users.

Using your cell phone before bed increases the likelihood of insomnia.

Bright light may decrease sleep quality.

Smartphone use could increase amount of time it takes to fall asleep.

Light emitted from the cell phone may activate the brain.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.¹⁰

Relationship problems.
Offline relationships may suffer as a result of neglect in favor of excessive cell phone and social media use.¹¹

Anxiety.
Research has found that college students who use their cell phones the most are more likely to feel anxious during downtime.¹²

Am I Addicted to my Smartphone?

This self-assessment is not meant to officially diagnose you with cell phone addiction. If you are concerned about your problematic behaviors, speak to your doctor or mental health professional about possible treatment. ¹³

1. Do you find yourself spending more time on your smartphone than you realize?

2. Do you find yourself mindlessly passing time on a regular basis by staring at your smartphone even though there might be better or more productive things to do?

3. Do you seem to lose track of time when on your cell phone?

4. Do you find yourself spending more time texting, tweeting, or emailing as opposed to talking to real-time people?

5. Has the amount of time you spend on your cell phone been increasing?

6. Do you secretly wish you could be a little less wired or connected to your cell phone?

7. Do you sleep with your smartphone on or under your pillow or next to your bed regularly?

8. Do you find yourself viewing and answering texts, tweets, and emails at all hours of the day and night, even when it means interrupting other things you are doing?

9. Do you text, email, tweet, or surf the internet while driving or doing other similar activities that require your focused attention and concentration?

10. Do you feel your use of your cell phone actually decreases your productivity at times?

11. Do you feel reluctant to be without your smartphone, even for a short time?

12. When you leave the house, you ALWAYS have your smartphone with you and you feel ill-at-ease or uncomfortable when you accidentally leave your smartphone in the car or at home, or you have no service, or it is broken?

13. When you eat meals, is your cell phone always part of the table place setting?

14. When your phone rings, beeps, buzzes, do you feel an intense urge to check for texts, tweets, or emails, updates, etc.?

15. Do you find yourself mindlessly checking your phone many times a day even when you know there is likely nothing new or important to see?

If you or a loved one is concerned about maladaptive behaviors and feelings associated with cell phone addiction, don't hesitate to call to learn more about the treatment options available to you.

References

1. Mobile Technology Fact Sheet. (2013, December 27). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheets/mobile-technology-fact-sheet/

2. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (5th ed.). (2013). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.

3. Singh Bhatia, M. (2008). Cell Phone Dependence - a new diagnostic entity. Delhi Psychiatry Journal, 11(2), 123-124. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://medind.nic.in/daa/t08/i2/daat08i2p123.pdf

4. Digital Eye Strain Report 2015. (2015). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.thevisioncouncil.org/digital-eye-strain-report-2015

5. Hansraj, K. (2014). Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine Caused by Posture and Position of the Head. (25), 277-279. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25393825

6. Health Risks of Using Mobile Phones. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://source.southuniversity.edu/health-risks-of-using-mobile-phones-137310.aspx

7. Dangers of Texting Whilst Driving. (2008). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.trl.co.uk/case-studies/behaviour-dangers-of-texting-whilst-driving/

8. Deepinder, F., Makker, K., & Agarwal, A. (2007). Cell phones and male infertility: Dissecting the relationship. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 15(3), 266-270. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1472648310603380

9. Patel, R. (2015, June 17). Cell Phone use before bedtime might impact sleep, and daytime tiredness. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from https://u.osu.edu/emotionalfitness/2015/06/17/cell-phone-use-before-bedtime-might-impact-sleep-and-daytime-tiredness/

10. Babadi-Akashe, Z., & Zamani, B. (2014). The Relationship between Mental Health and Addiction to Mobile Phones among University Students of Shahrekord, Iran. Addict Health, 6(3-4), 93-99.

11. Andreassen, C. (2015). Online Social Network Site Addiction: A Comprehensive Review. Curr Addict Rep Current Addiction Reports, 2015(2), 175-184. doi:10.1007/s40429-015-0056-9

12. Lepp, A., Li, J., Barkley, J., & Salehi-Esfahani, S. (2015). Exploring the relationships between college students' cell phone use, personality and leisure. Computers in Human Behavior, 43, 210-219. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563214005822

13. Greenfield, D. (2013). Smartphone Abuse Test. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://virtual-addiction.com/new-smartphone-abuse-test-now-online/

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Signs and Symptoms of Cell Phone Addiction - PsychGuides.com

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Table of Contents Signs and Symptoms of Cell Phone Addiction Physical Effects of Addiction Psychological Effects of Cell Phone Addiction Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted to my Smartphone? The recent explosion of iPhones, Androids, and other smartphones has provided people with the ability to access the entirety of the Internet on-the-go and at any ...