3 Negative Effects Of Using A Mobile Phone Excessively, According To Neuroscience

It is still early to know all the possible negative effects of using the mobile. It is a relatively recent technology and we have not yet precisely identified all its long-term consequences. However, there are some affectations that have been very evident for a long time.

The benefits of cell phones are undeniable. They allow you to communicate anytime, anywhere. Likewise, they give you access to endless content and make you have information of a very diverse nature all the time. However, there are also negative effects of using mobile.

Much of humanity uses them; in fact, in many cases, they are practically the shadow of the person. It is evident that they are here to stay and that they are increasingly offering more utilities. Like everything, this also comes at a price. The following are three negative effects of using mobile that neuroscience has identified.

1. Stress, one of the negative effects of using the mobile

A study in which researchers from the Polytechnic University of Madrid participate indicates that one of the negative effects of using the mobile phone is an increase in stress. Smartphones tend to generate compulsive use and addiction. In turn, they enhance previous addictive tendencies.

The very compulsion to use the phone causes you to increase stress. Those who use it very frequently have been found to have higher levels of irritability and emotional tension. The bombardment of information that is done through these devices is largely responsible for the phenomenon.

It has been detected that many users have withdrawal symptoms  when they are deprived of the device. If it cannot be consulted frequently, signs of impatience appear. Children and teenagers, in particular, are angry and out of control when their phone is taken away.

2. Distraction, all at once and focus on nothing

The neurologist Antonio Cruz Culebras, from the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, has said that another of the negative effects of using the mobile frequently is the dispersion of attention. In his opinion, these types of devices harm our ability to concentrate. This is due, in particular, to the interference of telephones in daily activities.

In this way, a person is carrying out any task and the notifications from the cell phone, a call or any message lead to interrupt what is being done to attend to the message of the device. The brain, naturally, is not designed for multitasking, but works well when there is focus on only one aspect.

The expert also indicates that mobiles make introspection difficult. This leads to a certain disconnection with oneself, which in turn hinders aspects such as leisure. On the other hand, the cell phone reduces direct and real social contact with others. This aspect influences the reduction of neural connections and affects memory.

3. It doesn’t make you smarter

Put colloquially, the phone seems to “stun” those who use it frequently. This refers to people becoming more scattered and stunned, thus reducing their ability to understand and assimilate complex content.

According to the clinical director of the Madrid Institute of Psychology, Héctor Galván, a decrease in the ability to understand concepts and elaborate ideas has been noted in many people. This was not seen a decade ago and is usually associated with the use of cell phones and new technologies.

This has also worsened relationships with others and decreased social skills. Deprivation of quality social interaction makes people a little dumber. There is a kind of dense emptiness in your ties with others.

Solve the problem

The negative effects of using the mobile only appear if this is done too frequently. So the key to avoiding these undesirable consequences is to use your brain wisely. In fact, in cases where we have no choice but to use it very frequently, we can use compensatory strategies, such as performing attention or memory exercises.

It is not so much about making the intention of using the mobile less, but about expanding the heterogeneity of our activities. Playing a sport or hobby can be an excellent idea. Go to the movies more often and meet friends, for example. All this favors mental, emotional and physical balance. Why do not do it?