Adolescent Use of Mobile Phones after Lights Out

Adolescent Use of Mobile Phones after Lights Out
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Abstract
Mobile phones are not only fascinating but also an attractive entertainment device that allows adolescents constantly contact with their friends besides providing them a sense of identity, credibility, and autonomy. The use of these devices, especially during bedtime, is remarkably prevalent among adolescents. Various researchers have connected the increased use of mobile phones during sleeping hours with elevated levels of fatigue. Tiredness, dizziness, headache, and other sleep disorders prevalent in modern society have been linked to excessive use of mobile devices. Extended use of mobile phones may result in more severe symptoms related to the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and hormone levels. A study conducted by Van den Bulck indicates that the highest number of young adults use mobile phones after bedtime to access the internet and interact with their phones through phone calls and text messages. Only 38% of the participants never used these devices after lights out. The current study suggests a further increase in the use of these devices as they become sophisticated.
Keywords: Mobile phones, devices, adolescents, tiredness, fatigue, bedtime, sleeping hours
 

Adolescent Use of Mobile Phones after Lights Out
Brief Description of the Study
In the modern world of internet proliferation, the use of mobile phones during bedtime has become increasingly prevalent among adolescents.

It is vital to note that disproportionate usage of digital devices has been linked to sleep disturbances and decreased bedtime. Van den Bulck (2007) undertook a study to evaluate the frequency of the utilization of mobile phones by youngsters during sleeping hours and its association with fatigue intensities after a year. Around 62% of the participants acknowledged the use of mobile phones during bedtime. The results indicated a definite link between mobile phones use during bedtime hours and increased levels of fatigue.
Information of Value
In this study, Van den Bulck (2007) established the widespread use of mobile phones during sleeping hours. Although most participants believed that moderate use of these devices does not entail long-term fatigue, there is no safe dose. The study augments the much-needed research regarding the effect of modern electronic media on various aspects of adolescent well-being. As the internet becomes more complex, Van den Bulck believes that the number of threats to adolescent sleep during bedtime hours will increase further. Mainly, incorporation of various technologies such as radio, MP3, and television is likely to increase the problem.
Limitations of the Study
While observational studies allow researchers to access the context and meaning linked to the actions of participants, they involve a broad range of constraints. For instance, the role of researchers and their impact on the situations or people under observations raises significant concerns. Often, such studies are dismissed as subjective due to the possibility of observers writing from their opinion. In this case, the researcher believes that mobile phone use during bedtime hours contributes positively to fatigue levels among adolescents. Since his conclusions were based on personal observation, the study can be considered as subjective.
Reference
Van den Bulck, J. (2007). Adolescent Use of Mobile Phones for Calling and for Sending Text Messages after Lights Out: Results from a Prospective Cohort Study with a One-Year Follow-Up. Sleep, 30(9), 1220–1223.