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How many times have you seen a family or group of friends together but instead of actually talking to each other, they're all busy staring at their phone's tiny screens? Smartphone addiction is a serious issue in today's digital age and studies have found that they can cause these eight physical and emotional health problems in the long run.
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How many times have you found yourself scrolling through your Facebook and Instagram feed till 3 am instead of getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep? Studies have found that increased smartphones usage is directly related to insomnia [1]. Avoid keeping your phone at arm's reach during night time and keep it on silent.
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Other than insomnia, your smartphone can also cause mental illnesses like depression and anxiety [1]. A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions in 2015 found that students who spent hours on their smartphone were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety [1].
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Studies have found that your cellphone could be responsible for skin irritations or dermatitis on region around your cheek and ear [1]. This is because some phones contain allergens like nickel, chromium and cobalt. Blackberry and flip phones are more likely to contain these metals.
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If you use your smartphone for more than six hours a day, your fingers and wrists are going to bear the brunt of your addiction. This is known as the 'smartphone pinky' which means, you will notice a bend in your little fingers. Other than that, your thumbs and wrists are also at risk of getting injured. Cut down the time spent on your phone to avoid this.
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Leukemia can lead to premature ageing. © Shutterstock
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Staring at your tiny smartphone screen for hours on end can cause dry eyes, blurred vision, redness and even a burning sensation in your eyes. every smartphone addict is familiar with this side-effect and has experienced it at one point or the other.
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Researchers from the University of Virginia in US conducted a study earlier this year where they found that using your smartphone for prolonged periods of time can cause greater inattention and hyperactivity in adults. These are symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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Over the years, I have noticed that smartphones have been the cause behind many relationships and even marriages falling apart. Using various instant messaging and social media apps on your phone constantly can only cause more misunderstandings and lack of adequate communication between you and your partner in the long run.
