What is the story about?
If you think that smartphone addiction only causes harm to your eyes and mood, think again, because it has other side effects also. According to recent research, it also increases the risk of eating disorders. Yes, you read it right.
A comprehensive study has identified a troubling link between problematic smartphone use and disordered eating symptoms. The study was published this month in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. Researchers say the findings emphasise the need for early intervention strategies targeting excessive phone use among youth.
Researchers at King’s College London reviewed 35 studies involving 52,584 participants, with an average age of 17. Mainly, questionnaires were administered in community settings, such as universities and schools, to measure everyday life, symptoms, and users' habits.
Studies have shown a strong association between excessive smartphone use and greater eating disorder symptoms.
Researchers outlined the consistent connection between excessive phone use and disordered eating behaviours, including: Emotional overeating (Eating in response to feeling stressed or sad), uncontrolled eating (It's like a feeling that you can't stop eating once you've started) and food addiction is defined as continuous cravings or withdrawal symptoms related to food.
The negative effects were strongest among those who used their
phones for more than 7 hours a day. Frequent phone use was linked to greater dissatisfaction with appearance, as constant exposure to idealised body types online leads young people to view their own bodies more negatively.
The study also differentiates between just using a phone and "Problematic Smartphone Use" (PSU). PSU is when a person becomes psychologically reliant on the device, characterised by withdrawal, lack of control and distress. Researchers stress that they are not saying phones cause disorders; however, they are a major risk factor, according to them.
They also urge that when doctors or therapists treat patients for eating issues, they should consider the patient’s relationship with their phone as well.
Ben Carter, Professor of Medical Statistics at King’s IoPPN and the study’s senior author, said, "Smartphones have become ubiquitous in our everyday lives. Our study shows that even among individuals without an eating disorder diagnosis, excessive smartphone use is linked to poor body satisfaction and altered eating behaviours, and may be a source of distress," as quoted by
Northeast Herald.
Johanna Keeler, another author of the study and a visiting lecturer at King’s College London, asserted, "Adolescence is a key stage of development as individuals evolve their sense of self by observing others."
She added in a news release, "While smartphones might present an easy way for this to happen, being consistently exposed to idealised images can lead them to compare their own appearance with these 'standards,' leading to poor self-esteem and appearance dissatisfaction."
Research has found that excessive smartphone use can increase anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness. Social media also often contributes to negative self-image and unhealthy comparisons with others.
Long hours on smartphones can also cause eye strain, sleep problems, reduced physical activity, and sedentary behaviour, which may lead to health issues such as obesity and poor posture.
Smartphone addiction can also create serious safety risks. For instance, using a phone while driving significantly raises the chances of accidents.
To reduce smartphone addiction, it's essential and recommended to set usage limits, take regular digital breaks, and spend more time on activities that foster mindfulness and real-world connections.
With inputs from agencies
A comprehensive study has identified a troubling link between problematic smartphone use and disordered eating symptoms. The study was published this month in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. Researchers say the findings emphasise the need for early intervention strategies targeting excessive phone use among youth.
What recent study reveals?
Researchers at King’s College London reviewed 35 studies involving 52,584 participants, with an average age of 17. Mainly, questionnaires were administered in community settings, such as universities and schools, to measure everyday life, symptoms, and users' habits.
Studies have shown a strong association between excessive smartphone use and greater eating disorder symptoms.
Researchers outlined the consistent connection between excessive phone use and disordered eating behaviours, including: Emotional overeating (Eating in response to feeling stressed or sad), uncontrolled eating (It's like a feeling that you can't stop eating once you've started) and food addiction is defined as continuous cravings or withdrawal symptoms related to food.
The negative effects were strongest among those who used their
The study also differentiates between just using a phone and "Problematic Smartphone Use" (PSU). PSU is when a person becomes psychologically reliant on the device, characterised by withdrawal, lack of control and distress. Researchers stress that they are not saying phones cause disorders; however, they are a major risk factor, according to them.
They also urge that when doctors or therapists treat patients for eating issues, they should consider the patient’s relationship with their phone as well.
What does the study’s senior author say?
Ben Carter, Professor of Medical Statistics at King’s IoPPN and the study’s senior author, said, "Smartphones have become ubiquitous in our everyday lives. Our study shows that even among individuals without an eating disorder diagnosis, excessive smartphone use is linked to poor body satisfaction and altered eating behaviours, and may be a source of distress," as quoted by
Johanna Keeler, another author of the study and a visiting lecturer at King’s College London, asserted, "Adolescence is a key stage of development as individuals evolve their sense of self by observing others."
She added in a news release, "While smartphones might present an easy way for this to happen, being consistently exposed to idealised images can lead them to compare their own appearance with these 'standards,' leading to poor self-esteem and appearance dissatisfaction."
What are the other dangers of smartphone addiction?
Research has found that excessive smartphone use can increase anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness. Social media also often contributes to negative self-image and unhealthy comparisons with others.
Long hours on smartphones can also cause eye strain, sleep problems, reduced physical activity, and sedentary behaviour, which may lead to health issues such as obesity and poor posture.
Smartphone addiction can also create serious safety risks. For instance, using a phone while driving significantly raises the chances of accidents.
To reduce smartphone addiction, it's essential and recommended to set usage limits, take regular digital breaks, and spend more time on activities that foster mindfulness and real-world connections.
With inputs from agencies
