World Mental Health Day 2023: In today’s world, gadgets are an irreplaceable part of life. One requires technology even to perform the simplest of tasks. While it is true that electronic devices have made our lives simpler than we could have imagined 10 years ago, they have also made us lazy and overdependent on technology. Too much exposure to technology is detrimental because people are losing their creativity and the ability to think innovatively. Several people use artificial intelligence to write essays or to design something.
Mindless scrolling through social media has contributed to body image issues among today’s youth, especially women. The radiation from phones is dangerous, and can harm different organs of the body, including the heart and brain. Mobile-emitted electromagnetic radiation is absorbed to more than 80 per cent by the head, and enters the brain. Such radiation elevates cortical excitability, according to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).
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Negative impacts of technology on one’s mental health
On the one hand, technology gives people access to information such as the importance of taking care of one’s mental health. On the other hand, ironically, people do not pay heed to such videos and use their phones excessively.
Due to increased use of electronic devices, people are suffering from anxiety and sleep disorders.
“In remote locations, telehealth and mental health applications offer practical options for therapy and counselling. Technology also encourages social ties, enabling people to stay in touch with loved ones and obtain emotional support, both of which can help people feel less alone. Additionally, apps for mindfulness and relaxation provide skills for stress relief and relaxation. However, technology can also have negative impacts, such as screen use before bed causing sleep difficulties, social comparison causing low self-esteem, information overload causing anxiety, and digital addiction. To maximise technology’s advantages while minimising its negatives, it is crucial to use it responsibly, develop healthy digital habits, and be aware of how it affects mental health,” Dr Gorav Gupta, Senior Consultant, Psychiatrist, Tulasi Healthcare, New Delhi, told ABP Live.
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Digital Detox: How people can manage their screen time
People must be mindful of the amount of time they spend online and the content they watch. While children should focus on how much time they spend using technology, adults should focus more on the content they consume, according to experts.
“The influence of screen usage might differ greatly from person to person. The kind of content being consumed, the user’s age, the level of screen time, and how well it fits into their lifestyle as a whole all play important roles. The WHO recommends no more than one hour of screen time per day for children aged 2 to 4 years and encourages physical activity and quality sleep,” said Dr Gupta.
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He also said that adults should pay attention to the fact that their screen time does not affect their work, sleep, physical activity, and interpersonal relationships.
“It is a known fact that our brain and body requires quiet time before bed time for a restful sleep, devoid of any stimulus. The urge to check our messages and emails before we sleep or after we wake up keeps our brain in an overdrive. And over a period of time, a tired brain and body leads to an impact on mental health,” Sonica Aron, Founder and Managing Partner, Marching Sheep, an HR advisory firm, told ABP Live.
In order to protect one’s mental health, people must implement a screen time strategy. They should make a thorough plan and implement healthy practices that guarantee a conscious and balanced approach to digital devices, said Dr Gupta. “In order to implement this method, restrictions on daily or weekly screen time must be defined, especially for tasks like work, communication, and education. By recognising and prioritising activities that improve one’s well-being, one can prioritise meaningful use and cut less on mindless browsing and excessive gaming. Setting up screen-free areas and times in one’s home can help them unwind and get better sleep.”
Dr Gupta also recommended that one may rest their eyes and refresh their mind throughout the day by implementing screen-free breaks. He explained that scheduling digital detox days or times when they completely withdraw from technology can offer a much-needed vacation from screens. “Setting communication boundaries can help prevent feeling attached to one’s devices, while mindful consumption involves being aware of the content they engage with and its impact on their mood. One can develop a strategy that promotes a healthier balance between screens and mental well-being by substituting screen time with offline activities that enrich their life and enlisting the support and accountability of friends or support groups. One should regularly evaluate their strategy and make necessary adjustments to ensure its effectiveness.”
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