Smartphone overuse: A hidden crisis in COVID-19

Abstract

• COVID-19 related lockdown policies and stay at home strategy may lead to the overuse or excessive usage of smartphones. • Excessive use of smartphones can potentially lead to gaming disorders and internet use disorders and eventually be considered to cause psychosocial crisis. • Without proper initiative, problematic smartphone usage can turn into an emerging public health challenge to annihilate lives by perpetuating the socio-psychological problems. • It will be a crucial step to monitor smartphone overuse and take necessary action to minimise the problem through protective policies and family support during and after this COVID 19 pandemic.