Abstract
BACKGROUND: The proliferation of smartphones has rendered them essential to contemporary existence, thereby augmenting the duration of exposure to light emitted from screens. This phenomenon engenders significant public health considerations, as sustained usage is correlated with deleterious physical and psychological health outcomes, which include sleep disturbances, visual fatigue, and cognitive deficits, particularly among university students. In light of these hazards, this investigation aims to elucidate the effects of smartphone utilization on cognitive performance, with a specific focus on reaction time. AIM: To assess visual reaction time (VRT) and auditory reaction time (ART) among medical students who engage in regular smartphone usage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed at SRM Medical College and Hospital, Kattankulathur, encompassing participants aged 18-25 years. VRT and ART were quantified before and subsequent to smartphone engagement utilizing a digital chronoscope. Subjects participated in two ART and three VRT assessments. Informed consent was acquired before the commencement of testing. RESULTS: Both ART and VRT exhibited a statistically significant increase following smartphone engagement, signifying prolonged reaction times and a potential decline in cognitive function. These outcomes imply that excessive screen exposure may detrimentally affect mental acuity and reaction velocity. CONCLUSION: Extended smartphone engagement adversely influences cognitive performance, as manifested by protracted reaction times. It is imperative that medical students and the broader populace receive education regarding the potential dangers associated with excessive screen exposure. Mitigating usage is essential for the preservation of cognitive health and overall mental well-being.