Could smartphone cause depression?

Since the world entered the period of mobile internet, most of modern people have become netizens and use the internet on a daily basis. Maybe the most convenient way for people to get the internet is the smartphone. When you leave from the house, go to the street, the stores, the supermarket, the metro station, the bus station…. look around, nearly everyone has a smartphone and the most of them never leave their phone at a moment. Today the smartphones are so popular because they provide a lot of convenience in people's lives, yet the hidden risks behind them can't be overlooked that
could smartphones cause depression?

In 2017, Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University, and colleagues published an article in the journal Clinical Psychological science, pointing out that the rise in depression and suicide rates among modern American youths is related with an
increase in the new media use time.

Yet the one more investigation of teenage mental health found negative effects from smartphones. In 2019, Twenge published a paper in the journal adolescence health that analyzed data from the two major US data set that surveyed at the mental health data of students across the US from 2007 to 2018. The findings show that genuine mental health problem among college student is suicidal thoughts, major depression, and self harm, which dramatically increased during this time, a rate the researcher says is stressing.

A study published by the American Psychological Association also showed that throughout the recent year, there has been a huge increase in the number of young Americans with mental health disorders, while there has been no relating increase in older adults.

According to a survey found that iGen’s (generations, which grew up with cell phone) use of social media reduces the time spent communicating with family and friends, which might be one of the reasons they are experiencing a high level of stress, depression, and other mental health problems.

According to study findings, the more time young people spend with their smartphone, tablet, PC, or other electronic devices, the more likely they have to experience  depressive symptoms. As an adult, if you had your phone in your hand before going to bed last night, then you will feel lethargic today. You can get a good night's sleep only by avoiding using your phone before going to bed.

Twenge, therefore Advice spending no more than 3 hours per day before
the screen and spending more time on ‘’offline activities ‘’.