The Effect of Smartphones on Our Mental Health

We have benchmarks for physical health - five a day, ten thousand steps, BMI - yet no comparable benchmark for mental health. The smartphone may be changing that.

Academics have been describing escalating rates of loneliness, sadness and suicidal ideation among teenagers since 2010 - roughly when smartphone ownership passed 50% of the population. The common factor appears to be online life.

What seems to be happening is a degradation of the 'social self' - how we view ourselves and how we form and maintain relationships. The human brain evolved to flourish in real-time, in-person interaction: facial expression, eye contact, body language, touch. Social media can't replicate this.

The solution isn't simply to limit screen time - it's about creating opportunities for real-life engagement. Hanging out with friends without phones. Being present.

If you are affected by any of the issues raised here, get in touch for a confidential chat.

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