Scientists at Lancaster University in the UK have denied the opinion that a long time spent behind the screen of a smartphone and other devices can harm the user’s mental health.
Researchers estimated how much time 199 iPhone owners and 46 Android device owners spend on their phones during the week. They also measured indicators of mental and physical health, including the level of anxiety and depression. In addition, users reported whether they think they spend too much time on the phone, and whether this is a serious problem for them.
It turned out that the time spent on the phone itself had no effect on the mental health of the participants. However, if a smartphone user believes that long-term smartphone use is harmful, the level of anxiety, stress and depression increases. If the participant thinks that he spends more than necessary behind the screen, or it seems to him that he is not able to shorten this time, then this causes him growing anxiety.
Thus, the practice of digital “detoxification” has no effect, and it would be more beneficial for people to take measures to eliminate the anxiety and fear associated with prolonged use of smartphones.