A recent scientific study showed that intensive use of smartphones is associated with weaker performance in some memory and attention tests, reduced sleep quality, and potential physical effects related to head and neck posture during prolonged browsing.
For his part, the "Science Daily" website mentioned, in a report published the day before yesterday, quoting the Hungarian Semmelweis University, that the study published in the scientific journal "Acta Psychologica" and conducted by researchers from the university, investigated the relationship between patterns of smartphone use and mental and physical health and cognitive performance among people aged 18 to 35.
The researchers added that they classified usage patterns into three types, including social communication, diverse use for purposes such as following news and entertainment, and intensive use that focuses on consuming digital content, with users spending four to five hours or more daily on their phones.
The results indicated that participants in the intensive use category recorded weaker performance in some memory and attention tasks, and reported reduced sleep quality and greater difficulty resisting the repeated urge to check their phones. The researchers linked problematic use to psychological and behavioral factors, including poor self-control and fear of missing out on social events and experiences, known as "FOMO", noting that the nature of phone use may be more important than the number of hours alone in understanding this phenomenon.
The study also touched on the potential physical effects of prolonged browsing, especially tilting the head forward when looking at the phone, a posture that may increase pressure on the neck, and may affect sensory signals that help the body determine head position and movement, which may reflect on balance and motor coordination.
The researchers emphasized that the results do not prove that intensive smartphone use directly causes memory impairment or sleep disorders, but rather indicate correlations that warrant further research. They recommended reducing unnecessary notifications, organizing social media usage times, avoiding phone use before sleep, as well as engaging in physical activity and maintaining a proper body posture.
These results highlight the importance of balanced smartphone use, considering the impact of digital habits on sleep, attention, and general health, with the need for additional studies to determine the nature of these correlations.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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