Smartphone, social media use's effect on OCD, happiness and loneliness

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