In the 21st century, there has never been a product quite as successful as the smartphone. From the game-changing Blackberry of the early 2000s to the tech innovation of the iPhone 13 — smartphones have garnered love, admiration and money from every corner of the globe. In 2021 alone, the world spent $448 billion on smartphone purchases. But not all that glitters is gold. Mobile Store takes a look at the impact smartphones have had — both positive and negative - on their owners.
Smartphones are affecting self-esteem
With models, actors, influencers and Tinder Swindlers all capable of creating an online profile of bikini photos, lavish holidays, and perfect skin — it’s no wonder teens and young adults are experiencing issues of low self-esteem.
A 2020 study published by Current Psychology shows that excessive smartphone use is linked to low self-esteem and poor body image in teens. It also found that teens, especially girls, using smartphones excessively struggled with emotional regulation.
How can this be avoided? It isn’t easy, but a combination of less smartphone use, and more open conversations with primary caregivers can build or improve a youngster’s self-esteem. The teen years can be a fragile time, where self-confidence can be easily broken, and it is important that teenagers have support and feel supported.
That’s not to say that they can’t enjoy the benefits of smartphones like taking photos and videos, playing video games, chatting to faraway friends or family and more.
How are smartphones contributing to climate change?
In 2007, the information and communications industry, which includes all smartphones, laptops, computers and monitors, only represented 1 percent of the world’s carbon footprint.
By 2040, that number will be at 14 percent if the industry continues as is. That’s half as large as the carbon impact of the entire transportation industry (air, land and sea).
As the trend for larger phones with expansive screens began gaining momentum — so did the carbon footprint of the industry.
Why? Well, larger screens take more time and material. Apple’s iPhone 7 Plus creates about 10% more Co2 than the iPhone 6s, but an iPhone 7 creates roughly 10% less than a 6s - that’s because both the 7 Plus and the 6s have bigger screens.
Manufacturing a new smartphone, and mining for the rare materials inside them, represents 85% of the device’s total Co2 emissions. That means buying a new phone emits approximately 60-80 kg’s of Co2.
What can smartphone lovers do to be more environmentally conscious while still enjoying their phone?
There are two things: You can keep your phone for a longer period of time instead of the standard 12 or 24 months, or — if you truly want to get that much-needed upgrade — you can choose a phone that uses recycled materials and emits less carbon dioxide.
…No, this isn’t a made-up phone – it’s the iPhone. In recent years, Apple has dedicated itself to manufacturing more environmentally “green” iPhones without compromising on quality, battery life, aesthetic and processing.
At the moment, Apple is one of the only tech giant companies who is carbon-neutral and, by 2030, they promise to release products that are carbon-neutral, too.
Three positives of the smartphone revolution
As with most things, there are two sides to every story. While excessive phone use, and buying the biggest screen out there can impact the environment and its people, there are some major benefits to the smartphone revolution.
It’s helped entrepreneurs and small business owners
Starting a business is a tough game and, selling a product or service is hard enough.
However, marketing on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok — which have billions of global users — has helped entrepreneurs and small business owners launch their businesses from humble beginnings to successful ventures.
In addition to advertising on social media and selling through an official Instagram or Facebook store, business owners have been able to create apps for their business or product.
On Google Play, there are over 3.4 million apps available, and on the iStore, there are another 2.2 million. From fitness to photo editing, yoga and Eskom’s load shedding schedule — creating an app for your business to reach millions of potential customers is possible, and heaps easier than it was 20 years ago.
It’s improved access to mental health services
A decade or two ago, mental health experts like psychologists were traditionally only accessible through booking an appointment or session via their practice or at a hospital.
This often meant that you’d be paying a large sum of your salary each month to have weekly therapy sessions.
Today, you can access therapists and trained psychologists through online sessions and mental health apps.
Your smartphone has also made information about depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and others more accessible. Simply Google “symptoms of depression” and a host of trusted online sources can provide you knowledge in an instant.
Here are some helpful online resources for better mental health.
Banking is at your fingertips
With online banking and banking apps for your particular bank, paying your bills, transferring money, and being in charge of your finances is easier than ever.
Other tasks that were previously not available to you without entering a bank can now be done in minutes: Apply to increase your credit limit, get a signed bank letter, view and download stamped statements, create and edit your beneficiary list and more.
Everybody should be able to access their finances without a bank employee or an ATM being involved.
Online learning
We all know how vital education is — and with the smartphone revolution, it’s easier than ever before to get a degree, complete a course or snag a certificate online.
Smartphones are giving the priceless advantage of education to masses of people in remote locations or from lower-income backgrounds — helping to close the educational divide.
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Smartphones have changed the world, our communities, and our way of viewing the world. And, these tech giants aren’t going anywhere. However, this doesn’t mean we should ignore the negative side to smartphones. With consideration and caution, you can still enjoy the benefits of smartphones. Ready to get your new smartphone?
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