Americans say phones are their number one necessity in life, but some mental health experts are advising us to put the screens away.
How does your phone change you?
Phones are now more important to users than vehicles or refrigerators, according to new research from tech-care company Asurion. The online poll of more than 1,000 U.S. adults reveals the need to stay connected during the pandemic. Some observers say it could be due to the dopamine released in our brains when we use our phones.
“Too much screen time and doom-scrolling can negatively impact your mood, your sleep, and your overall mental well-being,” Dr. Leela R. Magavi, regional medical director of Community Psychiatry, an outpatient mental health organization, said in an email interview.
“Constantly reading and scrolling through fear-mongering stories about things like COVID-19 can exacerbate feelings of despair and helplessness.”
