Our smartphones are constantly on these days – yet, there are plenty of good reasons why it’s advisable to switch off your phone from time to time. Here are some.
Most smartphones run 24/7, seven days a week. This isn’t sensible, neither for users nor for the environment – and not even for the smartphone itself.
Here are five good reasons to regularly switch off your phone:
1. Switching off for ecological reasons
During the night, we don’t use our phones at all. Yet, most people are now too lazy to switch it off. As a result, the phone operates for about a third of the day (week, year…) without being used.
The connection to cell towers is still maintained, which drains the battery faster. Thus, we need to recharge it more often – and the higher number of charging cycles per unit of time reduces the smartphone’s lifespan.
Since many people replace their phones when the built-in battery starts failing, this ultimately leads us to buy new phones more quickly – also because we leave the devices on overnight.
2. Switching off smartphones for security reasons
We use constantly evolving apps on our phones, as well as on our computers. These programs create temporary data that accumulates over time. At some point, the phone slows down and/or becomes unstable – and many know the phenomenon that restarting sometimes fixes issues.
Moreover, the apps we use on our smartphones are constantly being updated. However, it’s not easy to replace running apps. That’s why many updates only happen upon reboot. At the same time, updates are necessary, as they make, for example, the browser safer against malware, among other things.
This is also a good reason to switch off your phone more often: it allows for some cleaning up.
3. Because it’s healthier and more pleasant
Always reachable? Is that really necessary? If we already feel so stressed, wouldn’t it be wiser to switch off some stress factors? refurbished consumer organization For some time now, signs have been accumulating to suggest that spending too much time on your smartphone can shorten your life and even lead to depression. Even if “smartphone addiction” is not yet a recognized diagnosis, spending too much time in front of a screen can be problematic and distract us from real life.
4. Because of radiation?
Many people fear that “cell phone radiation” could be dangerous. The term refers to the electromagnetic waves with which smartphones are connected to the mobile network. Numerous studies claim to have found a link to cancer and other health problems – but there is no conclusive evidence yet.
The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) regularly reviews studies on the subject and has also conducted its own study on the long-term effects of electromagnetic pollution. (Conclusion: No real correlation was found between cell phone use and deteriorating health.) A BfS representative believes that the electromagnetic radiation used for mobile telephony and Wi-Fi is safe as long as legal limits are adhered to.
However, there’s nothing wrong with consciously reducing one’s exposure to radiation. To do this, simply switch off your smartphone. This way, the phone can also be safely placed next to the bed.
5. Switching off for a more even charge
This is certainly not a major factor, but at least during charging, it’s advisable to switch off your smartphone. Firstly, you usually don’t use the phone during this time. Secondly, it’s faster. And thirdly, according to experts, the battery charges more evenly, which extends its lifespan.
In conclusion: Switching off your phone, at least at night, has many advantages: you reduce your personal exposure to radiation. You preserve the battery, reduce energy consumption, and extend the life of your phone. And: you stress less and become less dependent on the constant attention vacuum.
How you switch off your phone depends on the model you use. On Android phones, simply press the power button for a few seconds, on iPhones, you need to simultaneously press the volume and mute buttons as well as the side button. Then, a slider will appear on the screen, allowing you to switch off the device.
