Desire to check the phone frequently and problematic usage

Clinical Psychologist Ayşe Sena Sarıdoğan Öztürk stated that the desire to check the phone again shortly after putting it down can occur with the cooperation of the learned reward cycle, curiosity, dopamine system and attention mechanisms and said: "The uneasiness experienced when being away from the phone may indicate problematic use. Especially through social media applications, it offers variable rewards such as messages, news, videos and likes. The thought that we may encounter something we like when we check the phone or the curiosity 'Did something happen?' can cause this behavior to be repeated."

Evaluating at what point the behavior of checking the phone frequently turns into problematic use, Clinical Psychologist Ayşe Sena Sarıdoğan Öztürk said, "Automatically looking at the phone when we do not need it, turning a short-term check into long-term use, and experiencing restlessness when away from the phone may indicate problematic use. Constantly postponing bedtime to spend time on the phone is also a situation that should be taken into consideration."

'WHEN I SAY I'M GOING TO LOOK FOR A MINUTE, IT MAY BE EXTENDED'

Klnk said that staying on the phone for much longer than planned when looking at the phone to check a message or e-mail may be related to decreased control over behavior. Psk. Öztürk said, "The fact that we hold the phone in our hands for much longer periods of time to check a message or e-mail may indicate that the control over our behavior has decreased. Thanks to the reward system, this behavior can become automatic over time."

'FREQUENT PHONE CHECKING MAY CAUSE DIVIDED ATTENTION'

Klnk touched upon the impact of frequent phone checking on attention span, focus and daily work performance. Psk. Öztürk said, "Although the effect is not the same for everyone, frequent phone checks may cause more division of attention. Especially in tasks that require mental effort, more mistakes may be made, work completion time will be longer, work will be left unfinished frequently, a feeling of forgetfulness and difficulty in starting work may be observed."

'Restlessness may become noticeable when staying away from the phone'

Klnk stated that the feeling of uneasiness, boredom or missing something when the phone is left may be mild. Psk. Öztürk said, "When we use the phone frequently, our brain gets used to constant stimuli. When we put the phone down, exposure to these stimuli decreases and the feeling of 'I am missing something' may arise. However, experiencing significant uneasiness when the phone is not with us and not being able to relax without checking the phone points to a remarkable point."

'PHONE USE AT NIGHT MAY DISTURB SLEEP HYGIENE'

Klnk draws attention to the effect of phone use on sleep patterns and quality, especially before going to bed. Psk. Öztürk explained, "Exposure to screen light, especially blue-dominated light, can negatively affect the increase in melatonin and the sleep preparation process. The brain may still receive daytime signals, and as a result, the possibility of deterioration in sleep hygiene may arise."

'WE SHOULD NOT BE SATISFIED BY TELLING THE CHILD TO PUT THE PHONE DOWN'

Klnk says that parents should avoid sudden and unexplained bans while limiting children's phone use. Psk. Öztürk said, "Sudden and unexplained bans may not work. When the child does not understand the reason, it can turn into a power struggle. Giving the phone as a reward when he finishes his meal or homework can also make the phone more attractive for the child."

Klnk stated that parents should set an example for children with their own behavior. Psk. Öztürk said, "It is important for the parent to put down his or her own phone while telling the child to put down the phone. It is necessary to avoid breaking the limit set during the crying crisis and giving additional time. Notifying the child a few minutes in advance that the phone time is about to end and preparing the child for this can also make the transition easier."