According to a new study, Brazilians are spending more and more time in front of smartphones and computers. Average, about 56% of waking hours are devoted to using these electronic devices. This conclusion raises concerns about the possible negative impact on the physical and mental health of people, and also raises questions about the socio-economic development of the country.

Poll conducted by the Electronics Hub platform based on report data”Digital 2023: Global Overview ReportDataReportal analyzed 45 countries and found that Brazil ranks second in terms of time spent in front of screens. South Africans lead the list, allocating 58.2% of their waking time to using computers and smartphones.

A possible explanation for this phenomenon has to do with the rise of the online streaming service in Brazil. According to the platform, approximately 64% of smartphone users in Brazil are subscribed to services such as Netflix, Apple TV+ This Prime Videowhich can contribute to increased time spent in front of screens.

The State of Digital in Brazil data also highlights the strong presence of technology in the country. At the beginning of 2023, there were 181.8 million Internet users in Brazil, which corresponds to a penetration of 84.3% of the population. In addition, between 2022 and 2023, the number of users increased by 7.1 million. In January 2023, the number of social media users reached 152.4 million, which corresponds to 70.6% of the total population. Active cellular mobile connections in Brazil reached 221.0 million, equivalent to 102.4% of the population.

While technology brings countless benefits to the economic and social development of a country, it is important to highlight the possible harms caused by the excessive use of electronic devices. Negative impacts on physical and mental health must be taken into account, as well as reflections on the direction of Brazil’s socio-economic development.

In contrast, Japan, a high-tech country, has the lowest screen time rates in the world. The survey shows that people in Japan spend only 21.7% of their time browsing electronic devices. This difference can be explained, in particular, by the level of socio-economic development of the country. Professor Ildeberto Aparecido Rodello of the Ribeirão Preto Faculty of Economics, Management and Accounting (FEA-RP) at USP notes that factors such as the average age of the population and cultural issues can also influence these inequalities.

In conclusion, the excessive use of smartphones and computers has become an alarming reality in Brazil. Since more than half of the day is devoted to screens, it is essential to promote healthy practices in the use of technology in order to maintain physical and mental health and balance in the socio-economic development of the country.

healthcare

Experts have long warned of the detrimental effects of technology overuse on health. According to a recent study of mental disorders by the World Health Organization (WHO), Brazil has the highest prevalence of anxiety disorders in the world, and this is no mere coincidence.

According to Tatyana, there is a direct relationship between screen time and anxiety, that is, the more time devoted to screens, the stronger the anxiety, and vice versa. She points out that excessive use of electronic devices can be the result of adverse circumstances we face, such as fear of robbery and financial hardship, which ultimately leads to further expansion of social exclusion.

Kodato adds that anxiety is related to the perception of distance between what is expected of oneself and what is achieved. In fact, most Brazilians admit that they are not reaching their full potential, either due to delays or infrastructural constraints, which creates a sense of “duty”.

The specialist cites China as an example, emphasizing that the speed, competence and efficiency in everyday tasks are much higher there than in Brazil. This “debt” awareness will be associated with anxiety.

On the other hand, Kodato explains that anxiety is also related to the immediacy present in Brazilian culture. We live in search of quick results, instant gratification and instant information provided by computer screens. This anxiety arises from the need to get immediate results without investing the time and effort required to achieve the desired goals.

In short, the excessive use of electronic devices contributes to the growth of anxiety in Brazil, as it is influenced by both the adversity that one has to face and the culture of the moment. Understanding these factors is essential for a healthier use of technology and a balance between screen use and mental well-being.

Mundo Conectado Deal Center: Selection of Discounts and Lowest Prices
Best deals on electronics, cell phones, TVs, soundbars, drones and more

Source: USP

…..