The Negative Effects Of Smartphone Technology

Imagine; it is 1989 and the only kind of portable phone in existence is a flip phone, which only the wealthy can afford. Flash forward twenty eight years and there are four different brands of smartphones, with over forty versions all together. There are endless options to transfer information from one person to another, and millions of applications that can be downloaded. Since the early 2000s, smartphone technology has been rapidly changing at a rate that can not be slowed down. The successful advance in this technology has done more harm than good. Many students are seen using their phones in the classroom setting and are being negatively affected by doing so. Attempting to multitask between social media and texting while completing assignments

There is no official diagnostic that says smartphone addiction is a phenomenon. However, no one is able to put their phones down, even at school and sitting through lectures where learning should be taking place. “The researchers reported that as the functionality of cell-phones continues to spread, addiction to cell phone apparently unavoidable piece of technology becomes an increasingly realistic possibility” (Demirci, Akgonul, Akpinar 86). Smartphone technology is also causing mental and behavioral problems among students. “In a study conducted on smartphone users, it was found that state anxiety, trait anxiety, and depression were higher in the smartphone overuse group than in the normal use group” (Demirci, Akgonul, Akpinar 86). Everyday, college students go through tremendous amounts of stress and anxiety, with studying for tests and trying to complete homework. Putting extra anxiety on top of this, and adding depression is not what anyone needs, especially a college student. Smartphones are also causing increased levels of sleep deprivation. Being a college student myself, I know that I do not get enough sleep as it is right now. Staying up at all hours of the night studying, completing homework assignments, and preparing for exams. “Poor sleep quality has emerged as a relevant public health problem in technologically advanced societies. Existing studies on the association between electronic media use and sleep have largely focused on adolescents. It was reported that problematic Internet use is associated with sleep problems, including subjective insomnia and poor sleep quality” (Demirci, Akgonul, Akpinar 86). It is very necessary for students to get the correct amount of sleep needed when they can. When students do not get the proper amount of sleep needed, it can affect functions of their daily activities and how well they are able to focus and