The COVID-19 pandemic was more than just a physical health crisis. With seismic shifts in day-to-day living and frequent talk of a ‘new normal’ that was difficult to envisage, global rates of anxiety and depression increased by 25% in the first year of the pandemic. Mental health became a widely discussed topic and social media became an integral part of the conversation. While some people relished in the connection it offered in a time of isolation, others were concerned about the negative effects excessive smartphone use could have on mental health. From an objective point of view, what is the relationship between smartphones and mental health truly like? Andree Hartanto, Assistant Professor of Psychology at SMU shares that while the technology itself is not inherently bad, research has shown that smartphone dependency can lead to higher anxiety levels.  

The problem of ‘Smartphone dependency’ 

Asst Prof Hartanto’s research has found that smartphone separation causes a higher level of anxiety than when compared to separation from an equally valuable possession. In his research study, college students were put into two groups, one group had their smartphones taken away, while the other had their National IDs taken. The group that had their smartphone removed showed higher levels of anxiety. He attributes this to two main reasons. 

First, the growing dependency and attachment people have to their phones. For many people, their phone is the first thing they check when they wake up and the last thing they check before going to bed. “We carry it around all day due to its portability and multifunctionality. There is no other device that is as unique as a smartphone in this regard. Over time, we may develop dependency and attachment toward our smartphone, and it may trigger separation anxiety when we are separated from it.” says Asst Prof Hartanto.  

The second reason is the fear of missing out, commonly referred to as ‘FOMO’. Smartphones satisfy people’s basic need for relatedness. It allows people to be connected socially, anytime, anywhere. Asst Prof Hartanto adds, “Over time, our dependency on smartphones to meet our need for relatedness may exacerbate our fear of missing out when we are unable to use our phone, leading to an aversive emotional response such as anxiety.”  

In addition, his research reveals the negative relationship between frequent smartphone checking and cognitive function. Users are disengaged from their ongoing task when their attention is shifted to their smartphone. Therefore, constant task-switching increases their cognitive load and leads to higher instances of cognitive failure such as concentration issues, memory loss and decreased perception.  

A symptom rather than a cause  

In spite of this, he shares that smartphone dependency should be viewed as a symptom of mental health issues and not the cause itself.  Asst Prof Hartanto explains that smartphones provide a sense of security while under stress. Various features allow users to divert their focus from stressors, bringing momentary comfort and ease, while social media allows people to connect with others outside their immediate surroundings. As such, the device acts as a form of social support which people depend on in moments of distress. “Without a proper context, it may seem that there is a positive correlation between depression and technology use. But, in some situations, problematic technology use might be the symptom rather than cause of depression.” adds Asst Prof Hartanto.  

Smartphones as a coping mechanism: Effective or damaging? 

So, what makes the smartphone a popular coping mechanism? Smartphones are distinctive because they are practical, simple to use, and attention-grabbing. Typical signs of depression include lethargy, a lack of motivation, difficulty sleeping and restless nights. Therefore, with minimal mental effort and a simple swipe of the finger, smartphones offer individuals an effective way to shift their attention away from stressors. Asst Prof Hartanto warns that social media, in particular, may worsen depressive symptoms. This is because depressed individuals tend to utilise social media for the purpose of comfort or validation. The use of social media as a coping strategy may backfire if individuals do not receive the approval they were hoping for.  

On the other hand, the rise of mental health apps suggests that smartphones could also be part of the solution. Asst Prof Hartanto shares that some mental health apps have proven to offer real value and have the advantage of transcending traditional help-seeking boundaries such as waiting time and distance. He believes that with more research and the development of overarching evaluation guidelines, these mental health apps could serve as a good supplement to traditional mental health treatments.  

Preparing for an increasingly digitalised world 

Given the complex and multidimensional relationship between technology and mental health, more research is needed to untangle the complexities and identify the boundary conditions for technology use in a healthy and sustainable way. Asst Prof Hartanto shares that while extensive research has been done on the relationship between technology and mental health, previous studies tend to be cross-sectional and do not measure technology use objectively. As such, he aims to conduct more high-quality research with longitudinal design and objective measures.  

In the meantime, he urges organisation leaders, educators and parents to double down on digital literacy, which has become critical in an era of rapid technological advancement. He says, “It is not just about the ability to use computers, smartphones, and the internet. It is more about having the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that allow people to be safe, adaptive, and empowered when using technological tools, devices, and platforms in this increasingly digital world. It is important not just for older adults, but also young adults and children. There is a need to rethink what it really means to be literate in this digital world.”