Using smartphones for extended periods could negatively impact mental well-being and social connectedness, according to a recent study from researchers at the University of British Columbia and a media lab in Germany. Unlike earlier research that relied on self-reported data, this study from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships employed direct tracking of screen time, revealing a "vicious cycle" in which feeling less socially connected leads to increased smartphone use. ...

New study uncovers a “vicious cycle” between feeling less socially connected and increased smartphone use::Using smartphones for extended periods could negatively impact mental well-being and social connectedness, according to a recent study from researchers at the University of British Columbia and a media lab in Germany. Unlike earlier research that relied on self-reported data, this study from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships employed direct tracking of screen time, revealing a “vicious cycle” in which feeling less socially connected leads to increased smartphone use. …

  • tony@lemmy.hoyle.me.ukEnglish
    81·
    1 year ago

    Back in the day, pre internet ‘social connection’ wasn’t really a thing unless you were in one of the popular groups. Maybe the phone would ring. Maybe you’d go out for a beer and someone you knew would be there. When you were younger there was school of course,

    Something like responding to an article like I’m doing now, maybe you’d write a letter to the paper. Probably not, though.

    Since the growth of the internet and later mobile phones you’re ‘connected’ 24/7. So now we have angst about it… but really things are massively better overall.