Is My SmartPhone Hurting Me?

Twenge argues that smartphones are negatively impacting today’s youth, particularly Generation Z. She presents evidence showing a rise in mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety among teenagers, in relation to the increased use of smartphones and social media. One quote from Twenge’s article is: “The more time teens spend looking at screens, the more likely they are to report symptoms of depression.” This quote highlights her argument that excessive screen time is linked to a decline in mental well-being. She suggests that smartphones and social media platforms are replacing face-to-face interactions and contributing to loneliness and isolation among teens.  

On the other hand, Cavanagh challenges Twenge’s conclusions in her Psychology Today blog post. She argues that while there may be a correlation between smartphone use and mental health issues, it doesn’t necessarily mean that smartphones are the cause. Cavanagh points out that other factors may also contribute to the mental health issues seen in younger generations. She writes: “The studies she reviews largely ignore social contexts and how people differ, instead reporting only average effects and correlations. Emerging evidence indicates that like every other question psychologists can think to ask about human behavior, screen use and its association with psychological well-being varies based on a multitude of contextual and personal variables, such as how you use media, when you use it, and what else is going on in your life.”Cavanagh suggests that the focus should not be solely on the devices themselves, but on how they are integrated into people’s lives. 

From a personal standpoint, my experience with smartphones was very different. I got my first smartphone in middle school, and it significantly impacted how I interacted with the world. On one hand, having constant access to information, friends, and entertainment was incredibly convenient and helped me stay connected. However, I also recognize how much time I spent scrolling through social media or mindlessly checking my phone, which could make me feel disconnected from the present moment. If I left my phone in a drawer for a day, I would definitely miss it at least at first. I’d likely feel disconnected from certain social circles, but I’d also appreciate the freedom from constant notifications and the ability to focus more on tasks or personal reflection.

The lesson I think we can learn about smartphones from these articles is that their impact depends on how they’re used. Smartphones can be both beneficial and harmful, and the key lies in finding a balance. They can help us stay connected, learn, and access resources, but they also have the potential to cause distraction, isolation, and mental health issues when used excessively. The challenge is being intentional with how we use them, setting boundaries, and making conscious choices about when and how to engage with our devices.