Why you should put down your Phone Right Now!

Our mobile devices have seriously changed the way we live our lives!

The amazing mini computers we carry around with us allow us to do so many great things, but spending so much time on our phones is starting to do damage.

Here are some reasons why you may want to give your phone a break for a little bit.

It can seriously damage your eyes. Cell phones have reduced the amount of long-distance focusing our eyes do, seriously damaging our eye health. The light emitted a cell phone screen is also harmful as it can damage the retinal tissue!

It makes you less relatable. Studies have shown that constantly looking at your phone can ruin friendships just as much as your eyes. People with their phones constantly on them can be seen as less relatable and others may perceive you negatively.

They’re dirty! Most of the objects we touch throughout the day are dirty, but cell phones are known to be crawling with bacteria because we put them so close to our ears and mouths. A study showed that 1 in 6 cell phones has faecal matter on it, so wash your hands regularly and clean your gadget properly!

It is bad for your neck. Did you know that “Text Neck” is a real medical ailment? Your head is a heavy object and your neck and spine keep it up at a certain angle, so when we keep constantly tilting our heads to look at our mobile devices it can seriously hurt your upper back and neck.

They make driving dangerous. Any kind of distraction is bad when you drive, but your cell phone is really bad because it constantly notifies you, making you take your attention away from the road. Don’t put your life on the line – your cell phone can wait!

They make walking dangerous too! Phones distract you on the street as well as in a car. According to a study, pedestrian deaths have increased due to smartphone distractions. The issue has already been addressed in China where they have created a sidewalk especially for mobile phone users.

Your hands can be damaged. The term “Text claw” is used when talking about the cramping and pain in your hand caused by using your cell phone too much. The most vulnerable part is your thumb because it does most of the work. Don’t push it – keep your typing to a minimum and take regular breaks.

It is harmful for sleep. Do you have a hard time putting your cell phone down before bed? Studies have shown that the LED light from your screen can really upset your sleeping cycle, causing eye pain and even headaches.

It makes you even more stressed out. The effects of cell phone usage have been measured and it is directly connected to depression in men and women. Another study also showed increased levels of stress which can lead to cancer and other ailments.

Hallucinations can happen. Your mobile device can mess with your mind, making you think your phone is vibrating or ringing when it really isn’t. The fact that our brains are thinking this can lead to more stress and even anxiety.

They are changing our brains. Many scientists still do not know how they are altering our brains, but it is worrisome. What they do know though is that the radiation is causing changes in our brains, whether it is negative or not is yet to be seen. Are you willing to take that risk?

Remember the good old days when we actually had to use our brains to think and figure things out? Give your phone a break for a while and see what good it can do you!

For a range of affordable IT services and equipment, visit The Computer Guyz in Cape Town or Centurion, or give us a call on 087 001 0511/2