Proven! Your Mobile Phone Is Harmful to Your Health!

In a recent US study, scientists who surveyed over 300 university students found that those who said they were addicted to their phones also tended to score high on the depression and anxiety scales. Those who were most affected tended to be participants who used their phones to escape stressful or unpleasant situations. Curiously, there seemed to be no adverse effects on mood if participants intentionally used their mobiles to kill time.

Boredom used to be a prompt to go out or do something active. These days, most people just whip out their phones to check social media, download e-mails or browse the web. A US study, where 49 subjects underwent a fitness level and body composition examination, found that those who spent as much as 14 hours a day on their phones (yes, that’s some of us) tended to be less fit than those who only picked up their mobiles for no more than 90 minutes a day. A good reminder to lift weights, not phones, people.

With cell phones, there’s always the convenience of being able to pull up maps, telephone numbers and other information – things we used to have to memorise – at the drop of a hat. However, it’s making us think less, says scientists at the University of Waterloo in Canada. While this may just lead to poorer problemsolving skills in the short run, under-utilising our brain power could lead to a whole host of mental issues as we age, warns the researchers.

The radio frequency electromagnetic waves from your phone have already been classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Now, an Israeli study provides more concrete proof. Studying the salivary content of people who used their cell phones a lot – those who chatted for at least eight hours a month – scientists found they had a significantly higher level of oxidative damage compared to that of the control group (deaf patients who either did not use mobile phones or mainly used them for texting). The damage, which harms cells and DNA and may cause genetic mutations, is a major red flag for cancer. So if you can’t resist yakking away on your cell, at least put the phone on a stand and use the speaker, or get some earbuds with long wires. You don’t want that phone anywhere near you.