By Daniel Douglas

Do you feel a spike of anxiety when your phone goes missing, even for just a moment? Have you skipped social gatherings to indulge in screen time at home? Or worse, have you ever narrowly avoided a collision because your eyes were glued to your phone screen?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be part of the growing phenomenon known as the "Smartphone zombie" tribe. These individuals, ensnared by the allure of constant connectivity, find themselves increasingly disconnected from the world around them. And the consequences are more than just personal—they're societal and potentially dangerous.

In today's digital era, the line between reality and technology blurs as smartphones become predominant. This technological revolution has birthed a new breed of individuals known as "Smartphone Zombies," fixated on their screens to the detriment of everything else. In Hong Kong, they're dubbed dai tau juk, or "the head-down tribe." Despite the negative implications, many remain unaware of the consequences of smartphone addiction. 

Excessive smartphone use disrupts sleep patterns, as the blue light emitted by screens hinders melatonin production, leading to sleep deprivation and decreased REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 90% of adults admit to using electronic devices within an hour before bedtime, disrupting sleep patterns. Moreover, constant notifications disturb deep sleep, perpetuating this cycle.

This addiction also impairs concentration, with studies showing smartphones alter brain activity, hindering focus on tasks. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that even the mere presence of a smartphone reduces cognitive capacity. Furthermore, reliance on smartphones has eroded basic skills, diminishing memory, and physical well-being. Neck, shoulder, and thumb discomfort are common, worsened by prolonged usage. Over the moon, poor posture from excessive screen time can lead to spinal injuries and even respiratory issues. A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine found that prolonged smartphone usage is associated with forward neck posture, slouched posture, and rounded shoulders, leading to structural issues and respiratory function impairment.

Besides, children aren't spared from the impacts, with excessive screen time leading to learning gaps and reduced verbal intelligence. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children aged 8 to 18 spend an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes per day using entertainment media, including TV, computers, video games, and smartphones. This overexposure to screens has been linked to lower academic performance and verbal intelligence.

Despite these concerns, there's hope in managing screen time consciously and seeking support for accountability. Identifying triggers for excessive use and distancing phones from bedtime can help break free from smartphone addiction and its detrimental effects. It's time to revive ourselves from this zombie-like existence before it's too late. Take the bold step of distancing your phone from your bedside, even if it poses a challenge - the rewards far outweigh the effort. Consider the repercussions of altering your lung function due to poor posture - isn't that reason enough to break free from our zombie-like existence?