Health
Smartphone addiction and screen radiation growing concern for health and wellbeing
Screen time addiction and exposure to screen radiation can have negative effects on our physical and mental health. By limiting screen time, using screens at a safe distance, taking breaks, adjusting screen settings, using eye protection, and getting physical activity, we can reduce the harm from screens and improve our overall health and well-being. Screen time addiction and exposure to screen radiation can have negative effects on our physical and mental health which can lead to depression. Some of the ways screen radiation can harm us include:
- Eye strain and fatigue: Prolonged exposure to screens can result in eye strain and fatigue, which can cause headaches and make it difficult to concentrate.
- Disruptions to sleep patterns: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
- Decreased physical activity: Spending too much time in front of screens can lead to decreased physical activity, which can have negative effects on our overall health and well-being.
- Increased risk of certain health problems: Prolonged exposure to screens has been linked to an increased risk of several health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and depression.
To avoid and reduce the negative effects of screen time and screen radiation, it is important to take the following precautions:
- Limit screen time: Try to limit your screen time to no more than two hours per day.
- Use screens at a safe distance: Maintain a safe distance from screens to reduce eye strain and exposure to radiation.
- Take breaks: Take regular breaks from screens to rest your eyes and stretch your body.
- Adjust screen settings: Adjust the settings on your screens to reduce the amount of blue light emitted.
- Use eye protection: Consider using blue light blocking glasses or screen filters to reduce exposure to radiation.
- Get physical activity: Make time for physical activity every day to counteract the effects of prolonged screen time.
Smartphone and social media addiction can affect people of all ages, but the effects can vary by age group. In children and teenagers, excessive use of smartphones and social media can lead to a decreased attention span, poor sleep patterns, and decreased physical activity levels. It can also contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as well as a decreased ability to develop face-to-face communication skills.
In adults, smartphone and social media addiction can lead to decreased productivity and interfere with personal relationships. It can also contribute to physical health problems such as neck and back pain, eye strain, disrupted sleep, and vision loss due to excessive use of smartphone. Additionally, the constant need for validation and comparison to others on social media can lead to negative body image and self-esteem issues.
In the elderly, smartphone and social media addiction can contribute to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which can have negative effects on mental health. In terms of its impact on society as a whole, smartphone and social media addiction can lead to decreased face-to-face interaction and communication skills, which can harm personal relationships and contribute to a decrease in community building. Additionally, the constant stimulation and instant gratification provided by these devices can lead to addictive behaviors, which can negatively impact daily activities and responsibilities. Some of the symptoms of smartphone addiction include:
- Compulsive checking: A constant need to check the phone for messages, updates, and notifications.
- Difficulty disconnecting: Feeling uneasy or anxious when separated from the phone.
- Interference with daily activities: Phone use interfering with work, school, or other activities.
- Decreased face-to-face communication: Spending less time talking to others in person and more time communicating through the phone.
- Physical symptoms: Developing physical symptoms such as eye strain, neck and back pain, and disrupted sleep patterns.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Neglecting responsibilities and obligations due to excessive phone use.
Excessive use of smartphones to the point where it interferes with daily life and causes negative effects on one’s physical, mental, and social well-being. To reduce the negative effects of smartphone addiction, it is important to take the following steps:
- Limit screen time: Set limits on the amount of time spent on the phone and stick to them.
- Turn off notifications: Turn off notifications for non-essential apps to reduce distractions.
- Create phone-free zones: Designate certain times or places where the phone is not allowed, such as dinner time or bedtime.
- Engage in other activities: Spend time engaging in other activities, such as reading, exercising, or spending time with friends and family.
- Seek help: If you feel that your smartphone use has become problematic, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.
Smartphone addiction is a growing problem that can have negative effects on our physical, mental, and social well-being. By limiting screen time, turning off notifications, creating phone-free zones, engaging in other activities, and seeking help if necessary, we can reduce the harm from excessive smartphone use and improve our overall health and well-being.
It’s important for individuals of all ages to be mindful of their smartphone and social media usage and to engage in moderation to avoid the negative effects of addiction. Encouraging face-to-face interaction, physical activity, and engaging in activities that don’t involve screens can help mitigate the negative impacts of excessive smartphone and social media use.
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Editor's Picks
Solutions and factors of a child becoming brutal or exhibiting violent behaviour – part2/2
Read part 1 before continuing part 2
It is critical to note that not all children who are exposed to trauma, violence, or other risk factors will become violent. These circumstances, however, can enhance the likelihood of violence. If you are concerned that a kid in your life is at risk of becoming violent, it is critical that you get treatment from a skilled expert.
The solution
Some things that may be done to assist prevent youngsters from being aggressive. Here are some solutions and things to think about:
- Early intervention is critical in detecting indicators of hostility or violent behaviour. Early intervention programmes, such as counselling, therapy, or behaviour modification strategies, can assist address underlying difficulties and give the kid the appropriate support.
- Positive parenting requires providing a caring and supportive home environment. Encouraging positive discipline techniques, fostering open communication, and modelling nonviolent behaviour may all assist in moulding a child’s behaviour in a positive and beneficial way.
- Education and awareness and raising children’s knowledge of the effects of violence, as well as teaching empathy, tolerance, and conflict resolution skills, can help them develop better methods of coping with their emotions and disputes.
- Increasing a child’s resilience can help them cope with stress, hardship, and bad influences. This may be accomplished through the development of self-esteem, the teaching of problem-solving skills, and the provision of opportunities for healthy social interactions and extracurricular activities.
- Having access to mental health services. It is critical to identify and manage any underlying mental health concerns. Making mental health services, counselling, and therapy available to children can help them process their feelings, build coping skills, and discover better ways to express themselves.
- Encourage strong peer connections and participation in supportive community programmes to help lessen the possibility of aggressive behaviour. Prosocial behaviour and a sense of belonging may be promoted by peer mentors, good role models, and community-based activities.
- Collaboration is required to address the issue of violent behaviour among families, schools, mental health specialists, and community organisations. It is critical to collaborate in order to identify and address risk factors, give assistance, and adopt preventative measures.
- Make your house a secure and stable atmosphere. Children require a sense of safety and affection in order to develop healthy emotional, psychological, and cognitive skills.
- Teach youngsters healthy strategies to deal with their emotions. Children must learn to express their feelings in appropriate ways, such as by talking, writing, art or drawing. This involves teaching children how to speak effectively, compromise, and walk away from potentially violent situations.
- Set clear norms and expectations for children. Children must understand what is expected of them in terms of behaviour. They must also understand that there will be repercussions for disobeying the rules.
- Children learn from the adults in their life who model positive behaviour. It is critical to model these behaviours for your children if you want them to be nice and courteous.
- Get help if you need it. If you are having difficulty raising your children on your own, don’t be hesitant to ask for assistance. Parenting seminars, support groups, and counselling are among the numerous services available to assist parents.
- Act as positive role models. Children learn from the adults in their lives. It is critical for youngsters to see positive role models who exhibit peaceful behaviour.
- Participate in your child’s life. Children who have a strong bond with their parents and other adults are less prone to participate in dangerous behaviour.
It’s important to recognise that every child and situation is unique, and a tailored approach is necessary. Professionals such as psychologists, counsellors, and social workers can give further assistance and help in treating and avoiding aggressive behaviour in children.
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Editor's Picks
Solutions and factors of a child becoming brutal or exhibiting violent behaviour – part1/2
Addressing the issue of a kid or a child being aggressive or harsh requires a comprehensive approach that involves identifying the underlying causes, and factors and implementing them with appropriate interventions.
The problem
There are various factors that might lead to a youngster being violent. There are numerous and complicated situations where a child gets engaged in violent behaviour. It is critical to recognise that each instance is unique and that various factors can combine to impact a child’s behaviour. There are several reasons why a youngster may become violent.
- Trauma: Children who see abuse, neglect, or violence are more prone to become aggressive themselves. This is due to the fact that trauma may harm a child’s emotional and psychological development, making them more inclined to behave aggressively.
- Exposure to violence: Children who are exposed to violence, whether in their homes or in their communities, are more likely to become violent themselves. This is because kids learn that using violence to solve issues and acquire what they want is a viable option. Youngsters may get desensitised to violence and become more likely to act violently if they are exposed to violent media on a regular basis, such as violent television shows, violent movies, violent video games, or internet content.
- Environment: Children who grow up in chaotic, stressful, or difficult circumstances are more likely to become aggressive. This is because kids learn that using violence to cope is a viable option. Growing up in a violent or abusive environment can significantly impact a child’s behaviour. Witnessing violence or experiencing abuse at home or in their community can greatly affect the behaviour and increase the likelihood of the child displaying violent tendencies.
- Peer pressure: Children who are around aggressive peers are more prone to become violent themselves. This is due to their desire to fit in and be accepted by their peers.
- Social learning: It occurs when children learn from adults in their life, such as their parents, teachers, and classmates. They are more prone to use violence if they watch adults using it to solve issues.
- Lack of empathy: Empathetic children are more prone to turn aggressive. The ability to comprehend and share the sentiments of others is referred to as empathy. Children who lack empathy are more prone to cause harm to others without experiencing sorrow.
- Psychological factors: Some children’s violent behaviour may be exacerbated by underlying psychological or emotional disorders. This might involve a history of trauma, neglect, or mental health disorders that have not been properly addressed.
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Featured
Cults can have profound impact on the mental and emotional well-being – part 2/2
Read part 1 before continuing part 2
It’s important to keep in mind that the term “cult” can be vague and have negative connotations. While some cult-like organisations may not always be harmful or abusive, others may have more sinister objectives. A typical cult upholds a rigid structure and demands a high level of dedication from its members. It asserts that through its theory, it can address the most important issues in life. Cults also require submission to human leaders, who are frequently charismatic, dictatorial, and narcissistic individuals driven by money, sex, and power. A friend, relative, or coworker recruits more than two-thirds of cult members. Members go through several brainwashing processes. Some capitalise on our innate propensity to imitate social norms or obey commands. Some strategies, which employ coercive persuasion methods incorporating guilt, shame, and fear, might be more aggressive. Cults prevent their members’ psychological and emotional development by restricting their basic rights to association, speech, and opinion. Nonetheless, the following list of cult classifications can be helpful:
- Traditional Cults: These are groups that typically revolve around a charismatic leader who claims to have special knowledge or abilities. Members are frequently required to participate in rigid and repressive rituals, which may involve complete dependency on the group and seclusion from the outside world. Examples of traditional cults are the People’s Temple led by Jim Jones and the Branch Davidians led by David Koresh.
- Culty Cults: While not considering themselves cults, these organisations have many of the same characteristics as traditional cults. They typically have a well-known figurehead who is adored by followers and may use techniques like brainwashing and manipulation to maintain control over their devotees. Examples of culty cults include Scientology and the Marshall Applewhite-led Heaven’s Gate sect.
- Ethical cults are groups that may display some cult-like characteristics but are often viewed as less hazardous and have a positive impact on their members. They frequently place a strong emphasis on personal growth, spiritual development, and community involvement.
Examples of ethical cults include the Transcendental Meditation movement and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living Foundation.
It’s important to keep in mind that certain categories may overlap significantly and are not all-inclusive. However, not all organisations that act in cultlike ways will unquestionably fall under one of these headings. It is everyone’s duty to research and evaluate any organisation they may be considering joining, as well as to be aware of the signs of a potentially dangerous cult.
Each with its own traits and ways of life, cults of the following sorts are among the most prevalent:
- Doomsday Cults: These cults advocate for the imminent end of the world and frequently work to get their followers ready for it.
- Religious Cults: These cults frequently centre on the adoration of a particular person or deity and have a strong religious or spiritual orientation.
- Self-Help Cults: These cults promise to aid members in achieving enlightenment or personal progress through self-help courses or seminars.
- Therapy Cults: Some cults provide unconventional therapies or counselling that may not be accepted by mainstream psychologists or doctors.
- New Age cults: These cults typically spread spiritual or metaphysical ideas that have no support in accepted religions or scholarly fields.
- Political Cults: These cults advocate for radical political ideas and frequently make an effort to influence the thoughts and actions of their followers.
- Business Cults: These organisations usually prioritise their beliefs over all else in order to promote the principles of a specific company or entrepreneur.
- Crime Cults: These cults take part in illicit operations including money laundering and drug trafficking.
We have to keep in mind that not all cults are destructive and that not all organisations with cult-like traits are actually cults. Yet, a number of cults have also been linked to abusive behaviour, emotional blackmail, and violent crimes. Cults are typically defined as organisations that uphold extreme or unusual beliefs and use dishonest methods to control their members. Cults can be detrimental to an individual as well as society, despite the fact that they can foster a sense of community and belonging among their followers.
There are several issues with cults, some of which are described below:
- Mind control and brainwashing are common manipulative strategies used by cults to indoctrinate members and take control of their behaviour. This can entail isolating them from friends and family, restricting their information access, and influencing their thoughts and behaviour through peer pressure and other psychological techniques.
- Financial exploitation: A lot of cults demand that members give them enormous quantities of money or give up their things. Members may occasionally be pushed to sell their homes or take out loans in order to support the group.
- Abuse of both the body and the mind: Cult leaders may abuse both the body and the mind to keep control over their followers. This can involve being mistreated unfairly through forced labour, lack of sleep, sexual exploitation, and other means.
- Alienation from society: Cult members may feel isolated and excluded from society because they are discouraged or forbade from interacting with persons outside of the group.
Some possible benefits of joining a cult. They may consist of:
- The feeling of community and belonging: Cults can give those who feel cut off from society’s norms a sense of identification and belonging.
- Spiritual gratification: Some cults advocate for spiritual beliefs or behaviours that may be satisfying to their members.
- Personal growth and improvement: Through workshops, retreats, or other events, cults may provide members with the chance to advance their personal development.
But it’s vital to remember that the risks and unfavourable effects of joining a cult frequently outweigh any potential advantages. Also, it’s crucial to know how to spot cult warning signs and know when to get help if you or someone you know seems to be a part of one. Jamie Wheal is the Flow Genome Project’s founder and the author of Recapture the Rapture. Rethinking God, Sex, and Death in a Crazy World, cults are gaining popularity once again. This, he believes, is especially true nowadays, with the rise of Instagram influencers and everyone professing to be an expert. We’re in the middle, overwhelmed, and sinking in despair, and we’re not sure which way is up any longer. Spiritual leaders who had left the lineages.
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