Phone Use Research Articles

Use of mobile phones to collect data on COVID-19: phone access and participation rates, in Rakai, Uganda

ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, we deployed a rapid, mobile phone-based survey to assess access and participation rates when using mobile phones to collect data on COVID-19 in Rakai, south-central Uganda. We sampled prior Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) participants based on HIV status using mobile phone contacts. We administered a 30-minute phone-based interview to consenting participants to assess their knowledge about different aspects of COVID-19 and their access to care. Our analysis compares the mobile phone survey participation rates with historic participation rates in regular RCCS face-to-face interviews. We supplemented phone survey data with demographic, behavioral, and HIV status data from prior face-to-face RCCS surveys. Phone access in Round 19 of the RCCS was found to be 90.2%, with lower access among older people, and people living with HIV. When including only individuals who participated in the previous RCCS survey round, participation in the face-to-face survey (81.9%) was higher than participation in our phone survey (74.8%, p < .001). Survey participation was higher among people living with HIV compared to HIV-negative individuals (84.0% vs 81.4%, p < .001) in the face-to-face survey, but in the phone survey the reverse was found, with participation rates being higher among HIV-negative individuals compared to people living with HIV (78.0% vs 71.6%, p < .001). It was possible to collect data from an existing population cohort during the lockdown using phones. Phone access was high. Overall participation rates were somewhat lower in the phone survey, notably in people living with HIV, compared to the face-to-face survey.

Co-present mobile phone use as an expectancy violation: revisiting ‘phubbing’ in two lab-based experiments

ABSTRACT Two lab-based experiments (N = 81 and N = 74) examined effects of co-present mobile phone use (frequently conceptualized as ‘phubbing’) on how individuals experience social interactions. The first experiment was modeled after the original Expectancy Violation Theory experiment by Burgoon and Le Poire (1993). Results showed that phubbing predicted perceptions of expectancy violation. These perceptions mediated the association between phubbing and several indicators of both impression formation as well as interpersonal attraction. The second experiment showed that more intensive phubbing led to poorer ratings of the confederate’s attentiveness, conversation quality, and perceived relationship quality than less intensive phubbing. Together, the two experiments support that phubbing, especially when it is more intensive, can harm relational outcomes.

A dyadic multimethod study of “partner phubbing”, smartphone conflict, and relationship quality in opposite-sex couples from Belgium

Abstract Existing research indicates that ‘partner phubbing’ is associated with heightened conflict and lower relationship satisfaction. However, previous studies have relied on cross-sectional designs involving subjective self-reports of only one partner. In this study, the main hypothesis entailed that the link between partner phubbing and relationship quality will be mediated by conflict over smartphone use. We utilized experience sampling (ESM) with objective smartphone logging measures collected over 14 days from 35 mixed-gender intimate dyads from Belgium (N = 70). An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model revealed that perceived relationship quality was negatively predicted by partner’s smartphone use in husbands only, but there were no indirect effects via smartphone conflict. We reported a low occurrence of smartphone frustration and conflict in couples. An outstanding dyad analysis revealed some incongruencies between partner’s smartphone use and its perception within couples. The design allowed us to distinguish between phone use frequency and screen time, which facilitated a nuanced understanding of smartphone use impact, and gender differences, to some extent refuting the previous literature. The findings prompt us to debate whether co-present smartphone use ought to be associated with negative outcomes exclusively, a rare notion to be explored in future research.

Teacher's view of the educational relationship between teenagers and smartphones in Spain

ABSTRACT Beyond being classified as an educational tool, mobile phones are an inescapable part of teenagers’ lives, the interface for their “expanded self”. In Spain, the educational policy regarding the use of mobile phones in schools is vague, so it is interesting to know what teachers think about the educational relationship between mobile phones and adolescents. A qualitative approach was used to analyse the content of 10 focus groups in 10 Spanish secondary schools, in which 72 teachers participated. Six thematic cores were identified that characterise the educational image of mobile phones: regulations, their use in the school environment, students’ digital literacy, teachers’ digital competence, teachers’ demands for good use, and insights for the future. In conclusion, for teachers, mobile enhanced learning may remain a pipe dream unless young people are educated in digital literacy and the current educational policies regarding the use of these devices (for, against or indifferent to it) are clarified. As things stand, they represent an obstacle to be overcome in the Spanish education system.

THEORETICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE IN DISTANCE LEARNING: AN ANALYSIS OF TEACHING RESOURCES IN THE PEDAGOGY COURSE

This study analyzes the challenges and demands of students in the Pedagogy Distance Education Course at UFPR in relation to theoretical and technological knowledge. The research, of a qualitative and exploratory-descriptive nature, was conducted based on the netnographic methodology, examining the interaction of students with analog and digital teaching resources. Responses were collected from 41 students, through questionnaires applied in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The results indicate that, although analog resources are still widely used and valued by students, digital technologies have become increasingly present and essential in the educational process. Among the main digital resources highlighted are the use of notebooks, cell phones, videoconferencing platforms, and digital materials. The study highlights the difficulties faced by students in managing these tools, especially in the context of the pandemic, which accelerated the transition to digital education. It is concluded that the integration between analog and digital resources is fundamental to meet the contemporary demands of Distance Education, requiring pedagogical planning that promotes inclusion and technological accessibility for all students, in order to enhance learning and promote effective teacher training.

Digital revolution and the gender divide: factors affecting mobile phone use in India

ABSTRACT As the world digitises, being able to access and use a mobile phone is important in order to be able to participate fully in day-to-day life, accessing digital services and online information. While mobile phone handsets and cheap data plans are now ubiquitous in India, women’s access to and use of mobile phones is significantly more limited than that of men. The availability of the technology is therefore not the only factor affecting women’s access and use of mobile phones. This paper proposes a novel framework operating at three levels – individual, family and community levels, to understand the factors that affect women’s access to and use of mobile phones, and provides a snapshot of mobile phone access and use of low-income women in India based on 60 structured interviews across six states. We find that women’s mobile phone use is often constrained, based on personal factors – confidence to use a phone or adequate digital literacy; family-level factors – permission to use the phone, monitoring of phone use and community-level factors – socio-cultural norms around appropriate type and place of use. This paper contributes to a significant gap in the literature on digitisation and women’s access and use of mobile phones in India. It highlights that while the digital revolution holds great promise, the use of mobile phones is often constrained for women.

Implementation of a Mobile Health Approach to a Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net Uptake Intervention for Malaria Prevention Among Pregnant Women in Tanzania: Process Evaluation of the Hati Salama (HASA) Randomized Controlled Trial Study.

Malaria infection is associated with many adverse outcomes for pregnant women and neonates, yet pregnant women in East and Southern Africa remain frequently exposed to malaria. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) can help prevent malarial infections and the associated adverse events. The Hati Salama (HASA) study was a cluster-randomized controlled trial implemented in 100 antenatal health facilities in urban and rural settings of Tanzania that provided pregnant women in both intervention and control groups with e-vouchers to redeem for LLINs for malaria prevention. The intervention group received behavior change communication mobile messages across a 14-day period while the e-voucher was active, and no significant difference between the rates of e-voucher redemption was found across the two groups. This study was a process evaluation of the HASA randomized controlled trial to determine barriers and facilitators to e-voucher reception and LLIN acquisition for pregnant women enrolled in the trial, as well as challenges and lessons learned by nurses who worked at the antenatal health facilities supporting the trial. Following the e-voucher's expiration at 14 days, voluntary phone follow-up surveys were conducted for nurses who supported the trial, as well as participants in both intervention and control groups of the trial who did not redeem their e-vouchers. Survey questions asked nurses about workflow, training sessions, network connectivity, proxy phone use, and more. Surveys asked participants about reasons for not redeeming e-vouchers. Both surveys provided lists of preset answers to questions, as well as the option to provide open-ended responses. Nurses and trial participants were contacted between January and June 2016 on up to three occasions. While nurses who supported the HASA trial seemed to recognize the value of the program in their communities, some barriers identified by nurses included network connectivity, workload increase, inadequate training and on-the-ground support, and difficulty following the workflow. Several barriers identified by trial participants included personal obligations preventing them from redeeming the e-voucher on time, network connectivity issues, losing the e-voucher number, no stock of LLINs at retailers when attended, inadequate explanation of where or how to redeem the e-voucher, or not receiving an SMS text message with the e-voucher number promptly or at all. Large-scale e-voucher platforms for health-related commodity interventions, such as LLIN distribution in sub-Saharan Africa, are feasible, but challenges, including network connectivity, must be addressed. Nurses identified issues to be considered in a future scale-up, such that the number of nurses trained should be increased and the e-voucher issuance workflow should be simplified. To address some of the key barriers impacting e-voucher redemption for trial participants, the network of retailers could be expanded and the e-voucher expiration period should be extended. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02561624; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02561624.

Assessing the Potential Dangers of Cell Phone Use to Human Health: A Review of the Evidence on Cancer Risk

Cell phones have become ubiquitous in modern life, leading to concerns about potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by these devices. This review examines the current scientific evidence on the potential link between cell phone use and cancer risk, focusing on epidemiological studies, experimental research, and mechanistic investigations. Epidemiological studies, including large-scale cohort studies and case-control studies, have produced mixed results, with some indicating possible associations between cell phone use and specific cancers such as glioma and acoustic neuroma, while others find no significant link. Experimental research has explored potential biological mechanisms, such as oxidative stress and DNA damage, but definitive connections to cancer remain elusive. Regulatory perspectives and public health recommendations emphasize cautious use, particularly among vulnerable populations. Despite extensive research, significant gaps remain, including limited long-term data and inadequate exploration of new technologies like 5G. Future research should address these gaps through long-term, interdisciplinary studies and improved exposure assessment methods. This review highlights the complexity of the issue and underscores the need for ongoing research to provide clearer insights and inform public health guidelines. Keywords: Cell phone use, cancer risk, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), epidemiological studies.

Investigating pedestrians’ red light running intentions at urban intersections in different traffic Environments: A scenario-based analysis guided by theoretical frameworks

Pedestrian risky behaviors are one of the contributing factors to crashes involving pedestrians. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the mechanisms by which pedestrians interact with many influential components in the traffic environment. This study aimed to evaluate pedestrians’ red light running intentions and related factors under different traffic flow scenarios, including straight traffic flow, right-turning traffic flow, and left-turning traffic flow. A theoretical approach based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the prototype willingness model (PWM) was employed. Data were collected from an online survey of 2250 participants in Tehran, Iran. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to identify the significant factors that explain intentions. All models successfully explained the behavioral intention for red light running violation; however, the findings revealed that the integrated model was the best-performing model to represent violation and, thus, was selected for interpreting the results and drawing relevant conclusions. Different traffic flow scenarios had varied effects on violation intentions for individual characteristics and model constructs. Previous crash experiences and driving-related background variables emerged to impact pedestrian violation intention across three scenarios. The findings also suggested that the rational constructs (attitude, perceived behavioral control, and facilitating conditions) had a more robust impact on violation intention compared to reactive constructs (prototype similarity, prototype favorability), with facilitating conditions being the strongest predictor of the model, followed by attitudes toward violation as a significant predictor of intention for red light violation. According to the results, the mechanism of risk-taking varies depending on the direction of the traffic flow. Higher risk was associated with the violation at the intersections with straight traffic flow compared to the intersections with turning traffic flow. Based on the findings of this study, several implications, including interventions focusing on individuals’ transportation safety attitudes, countermeasures to increase the risk perception of pedestrians toward turning vehicles, and countermeasures regarding the use of mobile phones while walking for the context of this study were proposed.

Technology and Household Harmony: A Fiqhiyah Study on the Use of Mobile Phones in Marriage

This article examines the relationship between mobile phone use, household harmony, and fiqh perspectives. In this article, we will briefly explain the main points related to the use of mobile phones in marriage and how fiqh can be used as a framework to analyze this issue. This article discusses the use of mobile phones in marriage and its relationship with domestic harmony from a fiqh perspective. Highlighting concerns about the negative impact of mobile phone use on household harmony, the article also explains that responsible cell phone use can provide benefits in facilitating communication, strengthening the marriage bond, and accessing information that is beneficial to the relationship. However, excessive or inappropriate cell phone use can lead to harassment, partner abandonment, and the risk of infidelity. Therefore, this article also provides guidelines for responsible cell phone use in marriage, including setting boundaries, avoiding distractions at important moments together, and seeking professional help if needed. Further research on the impact of fiqh on mobile phone use in interpersonal relationships is also recommended.

Perspectives on barriers to traditional sources of sexual and reproductive health information and services: Are mHealth technologies the answer?

Background: In Ghana, several qualitative studies have explored users’ perspectives on conventional sources of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and factors which influence provision of and access in rural settings. However, there is a dearth of qualitative studies on healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives on factors that deter access to conventional sources of SRH information among young people in rural Ghana and innovative ways for addressing barriers. This study explored perspectives on barriers to traditional sources of SRH information and services and innovative ways of using mHealth technologies for addressing provision and access challenges among young people in rural Ghana. Methods: This study used a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with HCPs in rural areas in three regions of Ghana between May and August 2021. Participants were selected from rural communities using the convenience snowball sampling and were interviewed via Zoom. The interviews explored the experiences and perceptions of HCPs on conventional SRH information and services and young people’s access to this information and services. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo software version 12, following the approach outlined by Braun and Clarke. Results: Twenty HCPs were interviewed for this study. The participants identified different sources of SRH information and services used by rural young people. Peers or friends, health facilities, health providers, and community settings were reported as the main services and sources of SRH information. Participants reported several barriers and challenges to the provision of and access to SRH information to young people, including socio-cultural norms, religious beliefs, unfriendly health facility environments, negative health providers’ attitudes, lack of privacy and confidentiality resulting in unfriendly youth SRH services, distance, and financial challenges due to costs of transportation which limits rural young people’s access to, and use of, SRH services. All the participants indicated that in addressing provision and access barriers, the use of mobile phones could be beneficial. Conclusion: This study highlights several barriers and challenges that deter provision of, and access to, SRH information and services for young people in rural Ghana. The findings indicate the use of innovative mobile health (mHealth) technologies may be one solution to some of the barriers and challenges.

The role of digital device use on the risk of migraine: a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study.

The pervasive integration of digital devices into daily life has raised concerns about their potential health impacts. This study aimed to explore the causal relationships between digital device use and the risk of migraine using Mendelian randomization (MR). Genetic data on digital device use and migraines were sourced from large-scale genome-wide association studies conducted by the UK Biobank, the FinnGen study, and the International Headache Genetics Consortium. Univariable MR (UVMR), meta-analysis, and multivariable MR (MVMR) approaches were conducted to explore and verify the causal effects of digital device use (including mobile phone use, computer use, playing computer games, and watching television) on migraine risk. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using Cochran's Q, MR-Egger intercept test, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, MR Radial, MR Steiger, and leave-one-out methods. UVMR analyses revealed that genetically predicted mobile phone use was significantly associated with an increased risk of overall migraine (odds ratio [OR] = 2.39, p = 9.78e-5) and migraine without aura (MO) (OR = 2.25, p = 0.024). Additionally, there were significant positive associations between genetically predicted television watching and the risk of overall migraine (OR = 1.63, p = 2.12e-5) and MO (OR = 2.10, p = 4.98e-5). These results were further supported by the meta-analysis and MVMR analysis. Sensitivity analysis indicated no heterogeneity or pleiotropy. This comprehensive MR study provides preliminary evidence for the causal impact of mobile phone use and television watching on the risk of migraines. Further studies are needed to explore these associations across different populations.

Does Socioeconomic Status Moderate the Association Between Screen Time, Mobile Phone Use, Social Networks, Messaging Applications, and Mental Health Among Adolescents?

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between different screen time (ST)-related behaviors and mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress. In addition, this study aimed to determine the moderating role of socioeconomic status (SES). This was a cross-sectional study and included data from 620 adolescents, aged 12-17 years, from the Valle de Ricote, Region of Murcia, Spain. Mental health was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Overall ST, mobile phone use, social network use, and messaging application use were measured using validated questionnaires. SES was assessed using the Family Affluence Scale-III. The results indicated that overall ST was significantly associated with symptoms of depression at the mean SES (unstandardized beta coefficient [B] = 0.005, p = 0.023) and 1 standard deviation (SD) below the mean (B = 0.007, p = 0.011), and with stress only 1 SD below the mean (B = 0.006, p = 0.011). No significant associations were found for anxiety and stress across all socioeconomic levels. Mobile phone use exhibited a strong positive association with symptoms of depression (B = 0.891, p < 0.001), anxiety (B = 0.530, p = 0.014), and stress (B = 0.790, p < 0.001) at 1 SD below the mean SES. Similar patterns were observed for mean SES, albeit with slightly weaker associations. Conversely, social network use was positively associated with all three DASS-21 scales, particularly at 1 SD below the mean SES, with the strongest associations found for symptoms of depression (B = 0.327, p < 0.001), anxiety (B = 0.325, p < 0.001), and stress (B = 0.318, p < 0.001). Furthermore, messaging application use did not show significant associations with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress across any SES levels. In conclusion, social inequalities may influence the associations between various ST-related behavior and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents. These findings may have implications for the design of effective interventions to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in this population.

The Rehabilitation of Texter’s Thumb with Virtual Reality Headsets - A Systematic Review

Rationale– In this day and age, it has become a troublesome task for one to resist video games or avoid texting on computers, tablets and cell phones. The continuous use of cell phones for texting and gaming leads to various injuries and one such injury is the Texter’s thumb. Aim- The aim of this systematic literature review was to determine the effectiveness of using virtual reality headsets for Texter’s thumb rehabilitation. Objective- To discuss the causes, symptoms, conventional treatment options and the latest alternatives provided by Artificial Intelligence (AI), i.e., virtual reality headsets, for the rehabilitation of Texter’s thumb. Methods- The present systematic literature review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 statement in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ResearchGate and Google Scholar databases and was limited to the title and keywords. The initial electronic search yielded 105 articles and 41 articles were eventually included in the final review. Results- The analysis of the reviewed articles revealed that patients used virtual reality headsets for the rehabilitation of Texter’s thumb. Many subjects found these headsets easy to understand, easy to use, interesting, motivating, engaging, along with an improvement in hand and thumb function, a reduction in pain and an increase in the pinch and grip strength. A few of the users experienced other problems such as headache and visual disturbances. Discussion- Evaluation of the articles included in the review showed that virtual reality headsets ultimately help to make thumb rehabilitation less painful. They follow the attention-distraction method as the patient gets distracted by the vastness of the virtual world and his attention is shifted from the discomfort caused by the injury to his surroundings in the virtual world. This makes VR, one of the simplest psychological therapies for the treatment of pain. Conclusion- To conclude this systematic review, it can be stated that virtual reality headsets have indeed proved to be a boon for all the youngsters out there as the injury caused by strenuous texting can be rehabilitated through the use of AI. Nevertheless, it is still necessary to further enhance our knowledge and study in this field. Keywords: artificial intelligence; virtual reality; texting injuries; Texter’s thumb; hand rehabilitation

The Phenomenon of School Dropouts in the Pujut, Mandalika SEZ: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis from the Perspective of Education Actors and Society

The development of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Pujut district, while driving economic growth, has raised concerns about declining school interest and high dropout rates among local students. This qualitative study, employing interpretive phenomenological methods, explores the experiences and perceptions of education actors, including the vice principal for student affairs, counseling guidance teachers, Mongge madrasah teachers, and the Head of Sukadana Village, to understand the underlying factors. Findings reveal economic constraints as a primary cause of dropout, with many students from low-income families unable to afford education. Early marriage, particularly among female students, is another significant factor influenced by economic, social, and cultural pressures. Additionally, broken homes, unsupportive social environments, the negative influence of social media, and a lack of motivation contribute to the problem. Schools have responded with counseling, parental engagement, and restrictions on mobile phone use. However, deeper issues like early marriage and broken homes necessitate broader interventions involving government policies and socio-cultural change. This research illuminates the complexity of school dropout in the Mandalika SEZ and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach engaging all stakeholders to ensure educational access and success for all students.

The Evolution of Real Estate: Digital Marketing's Influence

Digital marketing has become an essential trend for real estate firms in India, driven by improved network infrastructure and the widespread use of smart phones. This research examines the various digital marketing strategies employed by real estate companies and evaluates their effectiveness. With potential clients increasingly conducting their own research online, digital marketing has become a vital component of overall marketing efforts. Enhancing brand image and facilitating efficient customer communication are imperative for real estate organizations, and this requires fortifying their online presence on search engines, corporate websites, and social media platforms. Digital marketing, particularly through social media platforms, has a significant influence on the real estate industry, just like it does on many other sectors. In today's real estate marketing, websites, Face book, Integra, and YouTube have become indispensable resources. There is little study that focuses especially on social media management within India's real estate business, despite the fact that economic growth and population increase are the driving forces behind Indonesia's real estate market. Major segments in the real estate market include land, residential, commercial, and industrial properties, as well as real estate investment trusts, undeveloped land, and vacation homes. In the fiercely competitive real estate landscape, agents must do more than merely acquire a license—they need to embrace the digital innovations reshaping property transactions. Integrating digital marketing fully into real estate services is imperative. To meet the increasing demand for sustainability, real estate firms must develop digital expertise and skills to deliver impactful and efficient digital marketing solutions.

Prevalence and Factors of Pregnancy Termination Among Reproductive-Aged Women: Evidence from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey.

Pregnancy termination (PT) is a major public health concern in low-and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors of PT using the nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data 2017-2018. A weighted population-based sample of 8759 ever-married reproductive-aged women (15-49 years) was included in the study. The outcome variable was PT in any of the following forms: miscarriage, induced abortion, and stillbirth. A univariate analysis for mean, frequency, and percentage and multiple logistical regression were used to determine the factors associated with PT. Around 18% of the women were found to have PT. The mean age of the women in the study was 25.79 years; 65.1% lived in the rural areas, and the majority of them were Muslims. Advanced age of the women (AOR:3.49, p = 0.004), residence in the countryside (AOR:0.81, p = 0.002), higher education (AOR:0.72, p = 0.027), not being a Muslim (AOR:0.74, p = 0.010), higher socio-economic status (AOR:1.28, p = 0.027), having a job (AOR:1.15, p = 0.041), being married at the age of >22 years (AOR:0.71, p = 0.036), and using a mobile phone (AOR:1.22, p = 0.002) were significant factors of PT. This study did not find any association between PT and contraceptive use. Age, living region, education, religion, wealth index, working status, marital age, and mobile phone use are the determinants of PT. Interventions including these factors need to be made to reduce PT in Bangladeshi women. These findings could be helpful in undertaking further epidemiological studies to understand the actual causes of PT in various rural and urban settings among different socio-demographic groups in Bangladesh.

Impact of Smartphone-Induced Mental Fatigue on Resistance Training Performance and Efficiency - The Role of Smartphone Use During Workout

Introduction Resistance training volume is a key determinant of muscle hypertrophy and strength development. However, mental fatigue can significantly impact this volume, ultimately affecting performance. One prominent source of mental fatigue in modern gym environments is smartphone use, which has become pervasive and may reduce workout efficiency and overall training volume. Purpose This review examines the dual effects of smartphone use on resistance training outcomes and offers strategies to balance these impacts effectively. Conclusions Smartphone-induced mental fatigue increases perceived exertion, leading to reduced performance during resistance training by lowering volume-load and endurance, particularly in low- and moderate-intensity exercises. Despite this, maximal strength appears to remain unaffected. Additionally, smartphone use diverts cognitive resources, resulting in mental fatigue and impairing both physical and technical performance due to distractions during workouts. It can also unintentionally prolong rest periods, which disrupts the balance between muscle recovery and mental readiness, further decreasing training efficiency. However, smartphones also offer valuable benefits, such as access to fitness apps, progress tracking, and motivational music, which can help maintain or even enhance performance by improving focus and motivation. To minimize distractions and optimize training outcomes, strategies such as using airplane mode or scheduling specific times for phone use are recommended. While excessive smartphone use can impair training efficiency, careful management and strategic use can enable athletes to capitalize on its benefits and improve resistance training results. Future research should focus on developing best practices for incorporating smartphone use in fitness settings to balance its advantages while minimizing its downsides.

Effect of Electromagnetic-Radiofrequency Devices on Male Infertility at Urban Private Infertility Clinics in East Java

Background: As technology becomes increasingly integrated into urban lifestyles, the use of mobile phones, laptops/computers, and WiFi has surged, reshaping habits and routines. However, this reliance on devices raises concerns about potential health impacts, including male infertility rates. This study explores how lifestyle factors, particularly mobile phone usage and exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and radio frequencies (RF), influence male infertility. Methods: Conducted in Surabaya, Indonesia, this study analyzed sperm analysis data from 260 husbands attending private infertility clinics. Data spanning 2018 to 2023 were collected, with interviews conducted to assess EMR-RF exposure. Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney test evaluated differences in sperm analysis results between groups exposed to EMR-RF and controls. Results: A notable prevalence of EMR-RF exposure was observed among men aged 31-40, particularly those working indoors. Significant associations were found between EMR-RF exposure and sperm analysis results, with key factors such as mobile phone usage duration, storage practices, and WiFi exposure showing statistically significant correlations (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of EMR-RF exposure on male fertility, particularly concerning mobile phone use and WiFi exposure. These findings underscore the importance of further research and potential interventions to mitigate the health risks associated with EMR-RF exposure in urban populations.

Caught between autonomy and control: How Liberian teenagers perceive and navigate parental mediation of their mobile phone use

ABSTRACT Mobile phones play a central role in the lives of teenagers living in West Africa, but to date we have limited knowledge of how these teenagers perceive and navigate parental mediation of their phone use. This is unfortunate because such knowledge could inform about the interplay between culture, parenting, and children’s media use across cultures. To broaden our understanding of parental mediation in West Africa, this study interviewed 37 Liberian teenagers about the parental mediation strategies of their parents and investigated how these teenagers respond to parental mediation. The findings reveal two main mediation strategies: restrictive mediation and monitoring. Although these strategies are also used in the Global North, Liberian parents’ authoritarian application of these strategies as reported by our participants is different. Our findings further reveal a boomerang effect, because teenagers enact novel, mobile phone practices to circumvent parental mediation. These practices and the theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed.