0457 Global Perspectives Individual Research Paper
Centre Name
Campion International
Centre Number
Candidate Name
Candidate Number
Centre for Submission
Topic Area
Research Question
School
IN609
Sheikh Ifaz Ali
8011
Campion International School
Entire World
What are the psychological effects of
prolonged digital device use on individuals'
mental health?
Number of Words
1893
Introduction:
In today's interconnected world, digital devices have become an
integral part of our daily lives. From smartphones to laptops,
these devices offer convenience, connectivity, and endless
opportunities for information and entertainment. However, the
prolonged use of digital devices has raised concerns about its
impact on mental health. This article explores the psychological
effects of extended digital device use and the potential
implications for individuals' mental well-being.
Digital Addiction and Escapism:
Prolonged use of digital devices can lead to digital addiction,
where individuals become excessively reliant on their screens.
This addiction often serves as a form of escapism, allowing
users to disconnect from the real world and immerse
themselves in the virtual realm. This constant need for digital
engagement can contribute to heightened stress levels and a
sense of detachment from reality.
Sleep Disruption:
The blue light emitted by digital screens can interfere with the
body's production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for
regulating sleep. Prolonged exposure to screens, especially
before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia
and other sleep-related issues. Poor sleep quality is closely
linked to various mental health issues, including anxiety and
depression.
Social Comparison and FOMO:
Social media platforms often present an idealized version of
people's lives, creating a breeding ground for social
comparison. Constant exposure to curated and filtered content
can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and
the fear of missing out (FOMO). This constant comparison can
negatively impact mental health, fostering a sense of
dissatisfaction with one's own life.
Cyber bullying and Online Harassment:
The digital world is not devoid of negativity, and the anonymity
it provides can lead to cyberbullying and online harassment.
Victims of such behavior may experience heightened stress,
anxiety, and depression. The constant fear of encountering
online abuse can have a significant impact on an individual's
mental well-being.
Information Overload and Cognitive Overwhelm:
The digital age has ushered in an era of information abundance.
While this presents opportunities for learning and growth, the
constant influx of information can also lead to cognitive
overwhelm. Prolonged exposure to a barrage of stimuli from
digital devices can contribute to mental fatigue, decreased
concentration, and increased stress levels.
Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction:
Excessive use of digital devices can lead to a decline in face-toface interactions, negatively affecting social skills and
interpersonal relationships. The lack of genuine connections in
the physical world can contribute to feelings of loneliness and
isolation, which are risk factors for mental health issues.
Physical Health Implications:
Prolonged use of digital devices often involves sedentary
behavior, leading to a range of physical health issues. The link
between physical health and mental well-being is wellestablished, and conditions such as obesity and chronic pain
resulting from poor posture can exacerbate mental health
challenges.
Screen Time and Sleep Disruption:
One of the primary concerns associated with prolonged
digital device use is its impact on sleep patterns. The
blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the
production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for
regulating sleep-wake cycles. Prolonged exposure to
screens, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep,
leading to insomnia and fatigue. Sleep deprivation, in
turn, is linked to a range of mental health issues,
including anxiety and depression.
Social Media and Mental Health:
The rise of social media platforms has transformed the
way we connect and communicate. However, the
constant comparison to others, cyberbullying, and the
curated nature of social media profiles can contribute to
negative mental health outcomes. Research indicates a
correlation between excessive social media use and
increased feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and
depression. The incessant quest for validation through
likes and comments can create a distorted perception of
self-worth, leading to mental health challenges.
Digital Addiction and Anxiety:
Prolonged digital device use can lead to digital addiction,
characterized by an overwhelming compulsion to use
digital technologies. This addiction can contribute to
anxiety as individuals may experience fear of missing out
(FOMO) or a constant need to stay connected. The
constant influx of information, notifications, and the
pressure to respond promptly can create a sense of
overwhelm, leading to heightened anxiety levels.
Attention and Concentration Challenges:
Multitasking and frequent shifts between digital tasks
can result in attention and concentration challenges. The
constant bombardment of information and stimuli can
lead to cognitive overload, making it difficult for
individuals to focus on a single task. This phenomenon,
known as "digital distraction," can negatively impact
work productivity and contribute to feelings of
frustration and stress.
Physical Health and Psychological Well-being:
Extended use of digital devices often leads to sedentary
behavior, contributing to physical health issues such as
eyestrain, neck and back pain, and repetitive strain
injuries. The physical discomfort associated with
iprolonged device use can exacerbate stress and
contribute to a decline in overall psychological wellbeing.
Digital Eye Strain (Computer Vision Syndrome): Staring
at screens for extended periods can lead to eye
discomfort, dryness, headaches, and blurred vision. This
condition is known as digital eye strain or computer
vision syndrome.
Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by screens can
interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone
that regulates sleep. Prolonged use of digital devices,
especially before bedtime, can contribute to sleep
disturbances and insomnia.
Increased feelings of self-efficacy
Many computer users report feeling accomplished when they
learn a new computer or tech task. By using a device to help
them accomplish something or learning how to use new
software or hardware they've never used before, individuals
may have increased mental well-being because they feel more
competent and better able to handle things independently.
Expanded community
When people use their devices to play video games, they may
experience a greater sense of community. This is especially true for
people who play communal games. Multi-player games that allow
people to connect with others outside of their home can often lead to
both social and emotional benefits from these games.
Decreased depression by distraction
Studies showed that kids and teens who experienced depression saw
fewer depressive symptoms when they spent a limited amount of time
watching engaging material like TV shows or movies on their screens.
Entertainment like TV shows and movies can be engaging and distracting
and require the use of the imagination. Thus, using screens for
entertainment can alleviate negative thinking patterns and help children
escape distressing feelings. Time spent watching entertainment on
screens should be limited, however, to not interfere with activities and
the routines of daily life.
Less psychosocial stress for adults
Adults who learned to use social media platforms like Facebook and
Instagram experienced less psychosocial stress than their counterparts
who did not use social media. Since social media allows for connection
with people far away and can be a way to connect when the rest of life is
hectic, it can be a helpful tool for decreasing the negative feelings that
arise from a lack of relationships in adulthood.
Decrease stress by making busy work easier
One way that screens have improved people's lives is by making life's
busy work easier. Rather than have to go to the grocery store, people
can use the Internet to have groceries delivered. They can set up
recurring orders for house supplies, so they don't have to remember to
go to the market. And devices can do things like fill out our calendars
and send reminders, so we don't forget important events—making life
easier and more convenient. Stress can wreak havoc on people's mental
well-being. When devices with screens can decrease stress, they can
boost mental health and make life easier and more enjoyable for
everyone who benefits from their handy features.
How digital devices negatively impact mental
wellness
There are clearly mental health benefits to spending time on screens. However, too much screen
time has repeatedly been shown to impact mental health negatively. Here are some ways in
which the usage of digital devices can detract from mental wellness.
Cause depression from overusing devices
A study in 2017 showed that excessive use of digital devices increased depression in users. Teens
and adults who spent time looking at screens for more than six hours a day were much more
likely to experience moderate to severe depression than those who spent less time with their
screens. Experts believe that one factor increasing the depression for people relying on screens is
disconnectedness.
Spending so much time alone with a screen can increase feelings of isolation and interrupt
genuine connections in the real world. Lack of real human connections adds to people's feeling
of depression, and their attempts to soothe depression with screen time can create a vicious
cycle that only makes the depression worse.
Interrupt sleep
Too much screen time has been shown to impact sleep negatively. Time spent staring at a
screen's blue light—particularly in the nighttime—can interfere with circadian rhythms and
ultimately decrease sleep quality and duration. Not getting enough sleep can severely impact any
person's mental health, including an increase in feelings of anxiety and depression.
Create feelings of low self-esteem based on social comparison
People who spend a lot of time on social media may have lower self-esteem because they spend
more time comparing themselves to connected peers on the platforms. Social media users don't
only compare themselves to friends and family they actually know and are connected with. They
also compare themselves to celebrities and influencers who are on the platform—and it can be
detrimental to a person's mental health to compare their own life to the life of someone whose
existence appears picture-perfect. Further effects of low self-esteem can include negative selftalk and body image issues, both of which can further negatively impact mental wellness as a
person experiences them.
Decrease opportunities for physical movement and exercise
The more time people sit and use their screens, the less time they spend moving around and
exercising. Exercise can improve mental health significantly. Positive effects of mental health
include decreased anxiety, improved depression, better sleep, increased self-esteem, and more.
When screen usage interferes with exercise, it can have long-term physical and mental health
risks.
Expose kids and teens (and adults) to the risks of cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a rampant problem online. In fact, studies show that more than 50% of all 10- to
18-year-olds have experienced some sort of cyberbullying in their lifetime. The more time that
young people spend connecting with peers and strangers online, the higher the risk of
cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying can have a serious negative impact on mental health, including feelings of anxiety
and depression and even thoughts of suicide. Limiting the amount of time spent
online and the kind of activities your kids can do online can help minimize the chances that they
experience cyberbullying while online.
Conclusion -The psychological effects of prolonged digital device use are
multifaceted, impacting various aspects of mental health. It is essential
for individuals to be cognizant of these potential consequences and
adopt healthy digital habits. Establishing boundaries, incorporating
regular breaks, and fostering offline social connections are crucial for
maintaining a balanced and positive relationship with technology. As
technology continues to evolve, ongoing research and public awareness
efforts are vital to address the complex interplay between digital devices
and mental well-being.