BY CHERYL M. LUIS
WHEN the COVID-19 pandemic started, people across the globe are more attached to their digital devices, particularly on their phones. As the world shut down, and people were not able to physically attend school, work, or activities, the internet presented a way for life to keep functioning despite lockdowns and people’s inability to travel from home.
Obviously, in some ways, the power of your phone and the internet has given us benefits. We can conduct our most important activities from anywhere. We can feel close to family members whether they live on the same continent as us or not. We can shop even if stores can’t be open.
This, of course, requires good internet connection and a phone you could rely anytime and anywhere; a phone that won’t let you down when you’re having online classes without lagging, and with longer battery life; a phone to use for students’ online classes that won’t let them down and would hang on the crucial time most especially on those moments where teacher and students discussion is ongoing.
As I mentioned earlier, having the right phone and gadgets could help maintain students’ mental wellness. Here’s why:
Increased feelings of self-efficacy
Having a phone as a virtual assistant can help increase students’ mental well-being because they may feel more competent and better able to handle things independently.
Expanded community
This is especially true for young people who play communal games. Multi-player games that allow them to connect with others outside of their home can often lead to both social and emotional benefits from these games.
Decreased depression by distraction
Studies showed that kids and teens who experienced depression saw fewer depressive symptoms when they spent a limited amount of time watching engaging material like TV shows or movies on their screens. Entertainment like TV shows and movies can be engaging and distracting and require the use of the imagination. Thus, using screens for entertainment can alleviate negative thinking patterns and help children escape distressing feelings.
Decrease stress by making busy days easier
Digital devices make life’s busy work easier. You can use your phone for online classes, connecting with friends and family members through social media and can do things like fill out our calendars and send reminders, so we don’t forget important events — making life easier and more convenient. Stress can wreak havoc on people’s mental well-being but an efficient and reliable phone can decrease stress, boost mental health, and make life easier and more enjoyable for everyone who benefits from its handy features.
Even during a deadly global pandemic, the internet and computers allowed us to thrive and function, despite it not being safe to leave our homes or attend regular activities. And yet, with all the benefits that accompany the development of technology, our reliance on our phones and other digital devices and how they connect people have also had drawbacks.
Luckily, however, if you have some understanding of how your screen usage may negatively impact your mental health or wellness and are mindful of ways to use screens healthfully, you can make sure you and your loved ones use digital devices in the safest ways possible.
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Cheryl M. Luis is the wife of George N. True II. Like her husband, she advocates health and lifestyle writing and vows to continue “Health Frontiers” as her husband’s legacy./PN
