Due to the coronavirus pandemic, social media, live streaming, and gaming platforms were great havens for many people. As a result, smartphone use increased significantly in 2020. This is proven by the study carried out by the Chinese company Vivo in partnership with Cyber ​​Media Research.

As interesting as this scenario may seem for the cell phone manufacturer, the data is worrying. The study Smartphones and Their Impact on Human Relations in 2020, which is in its second version, presents data that relates how this significant increase is affecting people's mental health.

Widespread addiction

According to the data, 74% of people interviewed said they feel irritated or distressed when they stop using their cell phones, and 73% feel compelled to check what's new all the time, in addition to feeling isolated if they don't use their devices. These figures may point to the growth of nomophobia, the technical name for smartphone addiction.

Vivo India’s Director of Brand Strategy commented on the survey findings in an interview with The Indian Express. In it, he says, “Excessive smartphone use is damaging human relationships. And this goes completely against the brand’s values.” This is because, in addition to the excessive time spent on screens and the effects on mood and mental health, the research also revealed that the percentage of people who are on their cell phones while in the living room with their family and at the table during meals has increased.

The survey on the increase in smartphone usage in 2020 was conducted with 2000 participants distributed across 8 major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Photos: KristopherK/Pixabay/CC.

Through which channels you reach those people, classic and out of the box. Gizmochina e India Express.