Psychologist explains why texting your friends is WORSE for your mental health than being alone

Earlier this year, Apple and Google announced features in their forthcoming mobile operating systems designed to 'reduce interruptions and manage screen time.'  Android and iOS users alike will soon be able to guard their sleep against digital temptations, easily activate 'Do Not Disturb' mode when needed, and get prompted to stop when they have used their favorite apps beyond a personally chosen time limit. As a psychological scientist who has been studying the effects of mobile technology on well-being for the past five years, I can only welcome these new tools. Indeed, a great deal of research has documented how smartphones might be harming people's sleep quality or distracting them from nondigital activities.