The Impact of Smartphone Usage Patterns on Health and Other Aspects of Life Post-Covid Pandemic

Abstract

Smartphone usage is still increasing worldwide. Life seems impossible without them as almost all activities are performed through these gadgets. Many studies have demonstrated the pattern of smartphone usage before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in teenagers and students. To observe the smartphone usage pattern and its impact on various aspects of life post-pandemic, an online survey was conducted through a questionnaire covering the demography, pattern of smartphone usage, and impact of smartphones on health, social life, and family life. The results were analysed statistically. A total of 528 responses from people, mostly from north India, with a mean age of 33.60±11.50 years, were collected, and 54.7% were residing in nuclear families. Occupation-wise, the maximum number of participants was professionals (32.4%), followed by 25.2% of students. Many young children (36.3%) also had their own smartphones. People agreed that phone usage caused poor academic performance (59.6%) and obsession with online shopping (44.3 %).  Significant association(p<0.05) was observed between smartphone usage and increased BMI, physical symptoms (finger/hand pain, back pain, general fatigue, vertigo, lack of physical activity), and psychological symptoms (craving for phone use, nomophobia, poor quality sleep). Post Covid, smartphone usage increased among all age groups. Overuse of smartphones is a double-edged sword and may cause physical as well as psychological ailments. It is important to raise awareness about the mindful use of smartphones by setting boundaries and finding ways to do that.