Staringfor too long at tiny screens on iPhones can bringabout depression, a toppsychologist has claimed.

CaryCooper, Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health atLancaster University, warned users to limit their phone time as itcan “numb the senses”.

Hesaid: “Staring at screens constantly takes you away from people andgives you a passive outlet where you don’t have to interact withthe world or face your problems.

“ Liketelevision, the light draws you in and numbs your senses. It’s theexercise equivalent of treading water and can be both addictive anddestructive in the way it occupies your mind without actuallystimulating it.”

Expertsin Sweden agree that gadgets can contribute to prolonged stress,sleep disturbances and depression.

Anda survey by pharmaceutical firm Bayer found that 28 percent of womenblamed smart phones such as iPhones and BlackBerrys for ruining theirsex lives.

Obsessivelychecking Facebook and emails can lead to similar problems. ProfCooper said: “Computer technologies can be addictive becausethey’re psychoactive— they alter mood and often trigger enjoyable feelings.” Email,in particular, gives us satisfaction due to what psychologists callvariable ratio reinforcement. That is, we never know when we’ll geta satisfying email, text or social media message, so we keepchecking, over and over again. “It’s like slot machines — we’reseeking that pleasurable hit.”

Buthe warned: “Being subjected to constant data smog or informationoverload presents the real risk of ignoring or forgetting theinformation you do need and being less in control of your life as aresult.

“Likeusing the elevator rather than the stairs simply because it seemseasier, not using your brain to perform key cognitive and socialfunctions can have a huge impact on emotional health.”