{"id":21429,"date":"2021-09-07T13:46:16","date_gmt":"2021-09-07T08:01:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.revoscience.com\/en\/?p=21429"},"modified":"2021-09-07T13:46:19","modified_gmt":"2021-09-07T08:01:19","slug":"new-study-reveals-people-fear-the-internet-and-smartphones-are-damaging-wellbeing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.revoscience.com\/en\/new-study-reveals-people-fear-the-internet-and-smartphones-are-damaging-wellbeing\/","title":{"rendered":"New study reveals people fear the internet and smartphones are damaging wellbeing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

PRNW\/Saudi Arabia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the world adjusts to a post-pandemic reality dominated by technology, public concerns about the dangers of over-consumption are gathering pace. According to a major new survey\u00a0from Saudi-based cultural institute,\u00a0Ithra<\/a>, almost half (44%) of all people are worried about the impact of internet and smartphone use on their health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At an event to launch their digital wellbeing program –\u00a0Sync<\/em>, Ithra announced plans for an annual global summit, to take place in December. The Survey of 15,000 people in 30 countries was conducted online in June and\u00a0July 2021\u00a0by PSB Middle-East, Ithra says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– 50% of Gen Z respondents complain of tiredness, poor sleep, and headaches due to tech use<\/p>

– 41% of people admit to getting withdrawal symptoms without access to their devices<\/p>

– 42% of people believe the internet and social media are reducing time spent with loved ones<\/p>-Ithra<\/em><\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Abdullah Al-Rashid, Director of Ithra’s Digital wellbeing program\u00a0<\/strong>says, “As an organisation dedicated to individual enrichment, we want to understand the cultural impacts of mankind’s growing reliance on the internet and social media. Unfortunately, our research shows that half of all people believe over-reliance on these platforms is damaging their wellbeing.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This is why we are launching\u00a0Sync<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 a new initiative designed to raise awareness about digital wellbeing, support novel research in partnership with global entities, and unite thought leaders globally to find new ways to protect the public,” Rashid added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to survey, the overwhelming majority (88%) of respondents worldwide agree that technology can be a great force for progress, with the key benefits including access to news, connectivity and freedom. Many of these benefits were brought to the fore by the COVID-19 outbreak, with 64% crediting technology with having helped combat the pandemic. The outcome, however, is that almost everyone (91%) is spending more time online as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite this underlying positivity, Ithra’s findings highlight significant concerns about the damaging effects of unchecked access: <\/p>\n\n\n\n