In today's fast-paced world, mobile phones have become integral to our daily lives. However, excessive screen time is affecting our health, with 1 in 3 Brits revealing their mobile phone has negatively impacted their mental well-being.
The experts at Uswitch - Mobiles surveyed 2,000 Brits to reveal the most common mobile injuries, including the impact our mobiles are having on our mental health.
To what extent do you agree with the following statement:'My mobile phone has had a negative impact on my mental health'
|
Strongly agree |
9% |
|
Agree |
25% |
|
Neither agree nor disagree |
24% |
|
Disagree |
23% |
|
Strongly disagree |
20% |
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Of those surveyed, 9% strongly agreed with the statement, while 25% agreed. When looking at the results by age, respondents aged 25-34 are more likely to be negatively impacted by mobile phone use, with 17% strongly agreeing and 43% agreeing with the statement.
Which of the following have you had impacted due to your mobile phone usage? [Select all that apply]
|
FOMO (fear of missing out) |
15% |
|
Anxiety |
21% |
|
Self-esteem |
14% |
|
Reduced productivity |
21% |
|
Sleep disturbances |
21%
|
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In terms of how excessive screen time can affect us, the most common impacts of smartphone use are anxiety, reduced productivity and sleep disturbances (21%).
Which mobile phone-related injuries have you suffered from? [Select all that apply]
|
Eye strain |
22% |
|
Text claw (cramps in hand and wrist after phone use) |
18% |
|
Repetitive strain injury |
10% |
|
Dry eyes |
16% |
|
Headaches |
16% |
|
Mobile phone elbow (tingling or numbness in fingers) |
8% |
|
None of the above |
47%
|
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Over half of the respondents say they have experienced an injury after using their mobile phone.
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Eye strain is the most common injury, affecting 22% of respondents. The second most common injury is text claw (cramps in the hands and wrist, 18%). This is caused by the repetitive movements involved in holding and using a phone.
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To minimise the risk of mobile phone injuries, it's important to use your phone in moderation and with correct ergonomic techniques.