Is your Smartphone stealing your health?
I recently read an interesting book about resolving conflicts in relationships. One concept that stuck with me was how human history fundamentally shifted when we began "playing" with toys that craved our attention. In the past, playing with a ball or flying a kite was entirely under our control. When we were done, the toy went back into the cupboard until we decided to pick it up again.
But things took a dark turn with the introduction of the smartphone. Think about it—now we carry around a device that constantly seeks our attention. Leave your phone on the table for an hour, and if your notifications are on, you'll likely get a nudge from Amazon about that pair of shoes you checked out last week or a reminder from Facebook about your neighbor’s birthday tomorrow (who, by the way, you don’t even like).
It’s ironic, then, that Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple and the man behind the iPhone, was highly cautious about how much screen time his own children were exposed to. According to several accounts, including an interview with The New York Times, Jobs and his wife deliberately limited their children's use of technology at home. Instead, they emphasized creativity, imagination, and real-world experiences—like reading books, playing outside, and having family conversations—over screen time.
This paradox is striking because it highlights a deep awareness of the potential harm that screens can cause, even from someone who revolutionized the tech world. Jobs understood that while these devices could be powerful tools, they also had the potential to disrupt mental health, stifle creativity, and damage relationships if not used mindfully.
Jobs's cautionary approach is even more relevant today, especially when we consider how technology affects younger generations. Kids and teenagers are growing up in a world where face-to-face communication is being replaced by text messages, social media posts, and video calls. They’re losing the ability to communicate effectively in person, a skill that’s essential for building meaningful relationships and navigating the complexities of real life.
Moreover, the constant barrage of notifications, likes, and shares has a significant impact on the brain’s dopamine cycle. Dopamine, the chemical associated with pleasure and reward, is released every time we receive a notification or scroll through social media. This constant stimulation can lead to addiction, as our brains start to crave that dopamine hit more and more. Over time, this can result in decreased attention span, increased anxiety, and even depression as we become dependent on our phones for validation and happiness.
Another critical area where smartphones cause problems is sleep. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep cycles. Scrolling through your phone before bed can trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, making it harder to fall asleep and reducing the quality of your rest. Over time, this sleep disruption can lead to a host of mental health issues, including increased stress, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.
The more time you spend on your phone, the less time you have to get the important things done. It’s as simple as that. When you don’t accomplish what you set out to do, it’s easy to feel worthless, stuck in a loop of negative thoughts and procrastination that only makes it harder to take action. This cycle can have a profound impact on your fitness, business, and personal relationships.
As a coach, I often hear people say they don’t have time to train or eat properly. My first question is always the same: "What’s your screen time?" It’s a question you can’t dodge. Let’s say your gym session usually lasts 45 minutes, and your screen time is four hours a day. You could have done five workouts in the time you spent on your phone. Imagine what you could accomplish if you took back control of that time.
The example set by Steve Jobs, coupled with the overwhelming evidence of the negative impacts of excessive screen time, should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. We need to be more mindful of how we use technology and the toll it takes on our mental health, our productivity, and our relationships. By setting boundaries, like limiting screen time before bed, taking regular breaks from your phone, and prioritizing real-world interactions, you can start to reclaim your time and protect your mental health.
The next time you reach for your phone out of habit, take a moment to ask yourself: "Is this really how I want to spend my time?" The answer might just surprise you.
