![A closeup photo of a person using an iPhone.](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2024/07/n21263464/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1721067523265.jpg)
Smartphone, social media use's effect on OCD, happiness and loneliness
UC Blue Ash expert featured in Allentown, Pennsylvania's WFMZ-TV report
The U.S. ranks 23rd in the latest World Happiness Report, dropping several spots.
Experts say there is widespread concern about an emerging epidemic of loneliness. The National Library of Medicine says social media could be fueling these lonely feelings.
“When people are more prone to being bored, they’re going to be more likely to use their smartphone to address their uncertainty,” said Alex J. Holte, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College.
Holte and undergraduate student researchers published findings that smartphone usage can increase and even become unhealthy for those who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a psychiatric disorder with symptoms related to unwanted and distressing thoughts that can lead to repetitive and disruptive behaviors.
Watch or read the WFMZ-TV report.
Featured image at top: A person uses an iPhone. Photo/Onur Binay via Unsplash
Related Stories
Vote in the 2021 Staff Senate election
May 4, 2021
The University of Cincinnati Staff Senate serves as an advisory body to the president and university administration and provides an equitable representative voice for university staff.
CNN: UC group aims to change air travel with 'Coffee House Cabin'
May 4, 2021
People seem eager to plan vacations, especially after this past year, but the pandemic means the future of air travel could change. A group of University of Cincinnati students and professors are trying to pilot an innovative idea.
UC faculty, staff can dine for $8 at On the Green
May 4, 2021
UC employees can take advantage of $8 meals at On the Green dining center.
New sites available now on Bearcats Landing
April 29, 2021
Learn more about the new sites launched on Bearcats Landing, UC's new intranet.
A new treatment for rare muscular disease
April 16, 2021
Hani Kushlaf, MD, presented findings on a new treatment for Pompe disease, a rare neuromuscular disease, virtually at the American Academy of Neurology on April 17.
Three Cincinnati Law faculty honored with University awards
April 16, 2021
Three University of Cincinnati College of Law faculty members are being honored with university awards.
CCM Dean's Medal Awardee Betty Glover is a trailblazer for women in music
April 8, 2021
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music alumnus Betty Glover (BM, ’44) is no stranger to having the title of “first.” As one of the first female trombonists in the country, she made her mark on the world of music and enjoyed an incredible career.
NBC News: Silk masks are good for skin, staying safe
April 12, 2021
UC biologist Patrick Guerra talks to NBC News about why silk is a good material for face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
On-campus vaccine clinic for UC employees, their family members, April 14
April 12, 2021
Reminder letter to faculty and staff
Faculty Awards 2021: Cynthia Nitz Ris
April 7, 2021
Bringing a singular spirit of service to her work with UC, Cynthia Nitz Ris, JD, PhD and Professor, Educator in the Department of English, has built a long history of impact on UC since 2005. Serving in some 50 administrative roles at the state, university, college and departmental levels, her influence has helped shape the fabric of the UC community.