UK: Study Shows Young Adults' Phone Use Linked to Social Anxiety and Mental Health Issues

A recent study in the UK reveals that 71% of young adults (18-28) check their phones every two minutes, with 40% feeling a strong urge to do so even during conversations. The AXA Mind Health Report indicates that 63% of young adults use their phones to escape face-to-face interactions, leading to unhealthy behaviors like doomscrolling and comparing themselves to others online. One in three report mental health problems from social media use before bed, and one in five struggle with focus and productivity. Experts suggest that early, unfiltered access to smartphones has rewired young brains, contributing to increased mental ill-health. The pandemic exacerbated this issue, shifting education to digital platforms and increasing reliance on devices. There are growing calls for schools to ban smartphones during class time and for parents to set boundaries on their children's phone use.