Impact of Smartphone Usage on Children
IELTS Writing Task 2
Response: Phone usage has become quite a significant matter in this very decade, and many people have found it hard to avoid in their spare time. To what I perceive it has both benefits and drawbacks, but there is a boundary to be set for everything that many people seem to forget about. That being said, it surely has turned into a formidable challenge for its users.
First and foremost, it's an irrefutable fact that this technology has brought ease and excellence to the community. The work of hours is now done in only a few minutes in break time. Getting updates about society, checking emails, messaging, or having phone calls no matter the distance has allowed us to connect, communicate, and answer any query needed. Our phones are now professional computers where you can find numerous apps for management, organizing data, learning languages, reading books, etc. These can aid people in educating themselves, working remotely, and having side jobs to provide for their families. Its functionality such as Bluetooth, calculator, health trackers, and many more features has made us dispense with a lot of equipment.
In addition, our phones and apps are packed with so many dopamine triggers like games, social media, and music. They act as slot machines for the young generation especially. The rewards from games whether it's money or mere applause for getting to the next level, the "likes" people get on Instagram, and the feeling of relaxation and happiness are all due to the dopamine released in our brains. Although validation and satisfaction are indeed needed in our daily lives, many other ways exist to achieve that necessary feeling because phone omnipresence can lead to compulsive use and dependency.
Furthermore, screen addiction can affect our mental health. the ubiquitous negative influence is felt by the crowd when our phone battery runs out. Many are unable to pass the time and enjoy the moment since they have forgotten or haven't learnt at all to communicate, study, or work effectively without technology. Health is the next topic to be concerned about. Excessive vain data from social media and news can only bring headaches, anger, sleeplessness, and dissatisfaction to individuals. Not to mention neck and back pain or vision decrease caused by light emitted from screens.
To conclude, cell phones are now mainly used as portable entertainment devices and side works which can be very beneficial, yet the reliance on them can act as hurdles to quality time, interactions, and independence of oneself. The key is to be conscious and have a balance in life. But due to the circumstances of life and its prevalence, I am on the verge of believing that digital detox is needed even on the subway back home let alone in our free time.