Volume : VII, Issue : V, May - 2017

A study to assess the smart phone usage and its effect on psychological health of Youth in a city Mumbai.

Ms. Devita Anand Nalawade

Abstract :

 BACKGROUND: Smartphones are popular devices capable of processing more information than other phones; they include many features such as games, access to the Internet and social networks, messaging, videos, multimedia, and navigation, in addition to their use for communication. Moreover, smartphone overuse may lead to some mental or behavioral problems. It may cause maladaptive behavioral difficulties, interfere with school or work, reduce real–life social interaction, and lead to relationship disorders. This study aimed to find out the psychological health of a youth after use of smart phone. METHODS: A survey was conducted. A Semi–structured questionnaire consist of 20 multiple–choice questions and it was administered to the youth who are residence of Mumbai. Questions were related to three domains of smart phone usage, reason for using specific application on phone and psychological health of a youth. RESULTS: It was noted that 53 % of the samples belonged to the age group of 18–20 years. Majority (66%) of the samples were studying graduates program. It was noted that 63% of the sample perform exercise. It was seen that 100% of the sample were using smart phone. And 73% of them were using it throughout a day whereas 27% of the sample only during night can remain without a smart phone. It was seen that 23% of the samples use maximum time Whatsapp on their phone. Reasons for using various applications on smart phone was identified that, 33% uses it for chatting with friends. During free time, 27% of the sample prefer playing mobile games and chatting with friends. Data regarding selfie was asked to the sample, it was noted that, 33% of the sample take unlimited selfie snap. 47% of the sample post 1–2 photos on social media and sixty percent of the sample said that they expect comments from friends for their posts. Forty percent of the sample gets upset for not getting comment for their post, 27% get angry on others for simple reasons. Three percent of the sample sleep only for 2–3 hours a day. Ten percent revealed short temperedness, headache with disturb sleep and fear of unknown respectively CONCLUSION:  Efforts needs to be taken to divert youths mind towards family gatherings, communication with human beings and society .Psychological health issues like anger, Short tempered behavior ,fear of unknown needs to be noted to the health professionals. If we want our youth to be healthy, we need to divert their mind from virtual world and make them enjoy the actual world.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

MS.Devita Anand Nalawade, A study to assess the smart phone usage and its effect on psychological health of Youth in a city Mumbai., INDIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH : Volume‾7 | Issue‾5 | May‾2017

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