There are 8.2 billion people in the world, and over two-thirds use mobile phones, and over half are known to use them in the bathroom and with soiled hands. Recent research has highlighted that mobile phones have an abundance of a broad spectrum of microbes. A scientific study published in Nature Journal identified a diversity of antibiotic-resistant and virulent microbes (5714 bacteria, 675 fungi, 93 protists, 228 viruses, and 4453 bacteriophages, a total of 11,163 organisms) present on 26 mobile phones owned by hospital medical staff. Half of these mobile phones had been used in the bathroom. Mobile phones that are not decontaminated may pose serious risks to public health and biosecurity.
EYE STRAIN AND SLEEP DISRUPTION: Staring at a small screen for long periods strains the eyes causing blurred vision, dry eyes, headache, and neck or shoulder pain. This is called computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain as prolonged exposure to blue light from laptop or computer screens also causes these symptoms. We usually blink about 20 times every minute, but when focusing on a screen we blink infrequently, allowing our eyes to dry out. Watching these screens at night upsets our body’s biological clock and disrupts sleep. To reduce eye strain, hold the screen as far as possible, lower screen brightness, reduce glare from your screen from reflected surrounding light, blink often to keep your eyes moist, and take regular breaks. Use specialised tinted glasses to reduce glare and blue light.
NECK, WRIST, AND BACK PAIN: Our spine bears the weight of our heavy head in the erect posture. Prolonged bending over smartphones strains the neck and back muscles and causes chronic pain. We get so immersed in the digital world that we fail to notice our poor posture or take a break. If the neck is exposed to cold air while wearing a collarless or low-cut top, the neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles go into a spasm and the problem worsens. A turtle neck top would keep the neck warm. Prolonged phone use can also contribute to hand and wrist problems due to the repetitive motions and unnatural postures adopted during phone use, potentially straining muscles, tendons, and nerves.
INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENTS: Using phones while driving or walking can result in accidents and injuries. Studies show a 40% increase in reaction time impairing driving ability, and a fourfold increase in accident risk with mobile phone use while driving. The inability to stay focused on the road contributes to accidents, like rear-end collisions, lane changes, and running red lights. Texting and browsing when driving leads to losing control of the vehicle as hands are off the steering wheel, and eyes and mind are off the road. Studies suggest that hands-free devices don’t eliminate cognitive distraction as a risk factor. Lack of awareness of surroundings while walking due to the use of mobiles especially with noise cancelling headphones often leads to falling into a ditch, tripping over cables and pipes, collision with something or someone, and road traffic accidents.
INCREASED STRESS LEVELS: Excessive mobile phone usage increases stress levels due to many factors. A constant stream of notifications and updates creates a sense of urgency and a fear of missing out (FOMO).
The frequent interruptions lower attention span and impair cognitive function, academic performance, and productivity. Time lost in social media and other distractions leads to isolation and decreased interpersonal interactions and social skills.
Unrealistic comparisons on social media lead to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity and contribute to stress, anxiety, and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicidal ideation. Inactivity and stress contribute to obesity, lifestyle diseases, and poor physical health
DIGITAL ADDICTION: It is also referred to as technology addiction, internet addiction, or computer addiction. It is the uncontrollable and compulsive utilization of digital tools, digital media, gambling, pornography, and electronic games. It adversely affects multiple facets of an individual’s life, disrupting relationships, work, academic pursuits, and overall well-being. Children, adolescents, and those with pre-existing mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, may be particularly vulnerable to digital addiction.
Treatment includes assessment and counselling to increase their awareness and understanding of their behaviours and to help develop healthy coping mechanisms and positive behaviours. Online peer support, motivation, and recovery groups have been helpful in addiction treatment.
RADIATION EXPOSURE, HEARING LOSS: Mobile phones emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation, which includes radio waves and microwaves that are significantly lower than that of a microwave oven and are not considered harmful at typical usage levels. Prolonged holding of the phone to the ear can cause localized heating of the tissues in the ear and head and change brain activity, sleep patterns, and reaction times. A study of 100 medical students in Sikkim showed significant hearing loss in the ear to which the mobile phone was held for more than or equal to 2 h/day The auditory system, particularly the cochlear outer hair cells in the inner ear, is sensitive to prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from mobile phones that may potentially lead to hearing loss or other auditory problems. Prolonged physical pressure from holding the device against one’s ear can also cause the rupture of small blood vessels, leading to a blood clot in the ear (auricular hematoma).
PREVENTIVE MEASURES: We should reduce phone usage, mind our posture, reduce sound volume, use speakerphone whenever possible, and take regular breaks. To reduce eye strain, hold the screen away, reduce screen brightness and glare, use specialised blue-tinted glasses after sunset to reduce sleep disruption, and keep eyes moist by blinking often. Do not walk or drive while using your phone. Regular decontamination of mobile phones can be done using a soft, microfiber cloth, moistened with warm, soapy water after unplugging all cables and turning off the device. Water should not enter any openings. An alternative is a UV-C LED sanitizing ultraviolet light which kills bacteria and viruses on contact. Beware that mobile devices and apps can collect and store sensitive personal, financial, and health information, raising privacy and security concerns.
Dr. P.S.Venkatesh Rao is Consultant Endocrine, Breast & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Bengaluru.
