Smartphone overuse drives anxiety and sleep disturbances

Psychologists and digital‑health specialists say that the habit of constantly checking messaging apps such as WhatsApp reflects a hyper‑connected culture that heightens anxiety and reduces tolerance for waiting. Pablo Johnson of the Universidad Andrés Bello observes, “Hoy existe una expectativa constante de respuesta inmediata. La demora, la pausa o simplemente no contestar rápidamente muchas veces se vive con angustia o incluso como una señal de desinterés.”

The experts outline five indicators to judge whether phone use is healthy: (1) total screen time that displaces work, study, sleep or family interactions; (2) negative mood effects such as stress, irritability or anxiety after use; (3) impaired sleep quality from late‑night exposure; (4) signs of dependence, like compulsive checking of notifications; and (5) whether the device adds real value to one’s goals or relationships. Recommendations include establishing screen‑free periods (especially during meals and before bedtime), disabling non‑essential notifications, prioritising face‑to‑face activities, using screen‑time monitoring tools, and taking regular visual and postural breaks.