Top 10 Bad Habits to Avoid When Using Your Phone

It's not wrong to say that smartphone users are carrying a ticking time bomb. The large screen and numerous features contribute to rapid battery consumption. Therefore, it's no surprise that many people have the habit of charging their phones while using them at the same time. This is a highly dangerous habit that can expose users to a very risky situation: phone explosions, minor burns, or even serious injuries and fatalities. Charging and using the phone simultaneously is an extremely dangerous habit for the user's life. Besides the issue of the phone battery swelling, when users operate the device, the battery produces high temperatures, posing an extremely dangerous risk to human life. Inside the structure of each lithium-ion battery, multiple charged sheets are stacked on top of each other and separated by thin layers of insulating electrodes. When these insulating layers are damaged, it leads to an increase in the internal circuit's temperature. This is the main cause of battery explosion.

Remember, whether you are charging and playing games or watching movies, whether it's normal or fast charging, it can affect the lifespan of the phone battery. The unstable flow of electricity in and out of the device can directly impact its hardware. In particular, for lithium-ion batteries, they generate heat during use. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of fatalities due to electrical leaks while charging phones. This serves as a warning about the safety of using mobile devices. If the charging and discharging process is too fast, causing a sudden temperature change and exceeding the prescribed limit, the battery can catch fire. At this point, your phone will be extremely hot and prone to explosions. Even if it doesn't explode, while you are using it during charging, there is a high risk of electric shock. Therefore, you should only use your phone when it is not charging, and it is best to use the official charging cable in reputable, quality-assured places.

Some individuals tend to charge their phone only when it's powered off, thinking it will preserve the battery. However, the ideal charging range for your phone is 10-20% battery, not waiting until it's completely drained (as this is only applicable to older battery types). Moreover, consistently keeping your phone charged helps you avoid emergencies when you urgently need your device.

Most modern mobile devices utilize lithium-ion batteries, which are resistant to battery memory. Charging regularly and maintaining a full battery can prevent unexpected situations when you need your phone the most. If you're constantly on the move, consider having additional battery support, such as a power bank. Investing in a power bank can be incredibly useful for you and your phone.

Many people have the habit of charging their phone overnight without realizing its detrimental effects on battery lifespan. Typically, it takes around 2 to 3 hours to fully charge a phone (from the moment you plug it in before going to bed). During the remaining time, the device automatically stops charging when the battery is full, reducing the risk of overcharging. However, it doesn't prevent the battery from getting hot.

If you leave your phone on your pillow or under your blanket while sleeping, the uncontrolled heat can lead to battery issues. Experiments show that if a battery regularly heats up to 40°C, it can lose about 35% of its capacity in just one year, leaving only 65% of the original capacity when fully charged. Moreover, if the battery operates at 60°C frequently for three months, its capacity can drop to approximately 60%. The experiments also reveal that charging the battery correctly, maintaining it between 40% and 80%, optimizes battery lifespan. For instance, for an iPhone 8 Plus with a 2,691mAh battery, users should charge it when the battery is at 40% and stop at 80%, avoiding letting it drain completely or charging it to 100%. Charging your phone overnight, however, makes it impossible to control these factors. So, if you must charge your phone overnight, always ensure it's in a cool, well-ventilated place, without any obstructions affecting heat dissipation. A phone usually reaches full charge within 2-2.5 hours, and charging it overnight for 3-4 times that duration (around 6-8 hours) leads to overcharging, which is detrimental to the phone's battery. Therefore, charge it to 100% and then disconnect.

It's not advisable to set your phone's ringtone with excessively high volume as it may disturb people around you, unless you work in a consistently noisy environment or have hearing loss. Using a mobile phone with loud sound for extended periods can exert pressure on the eardrum, leading to ear pain and hearing issues. Set the volume at a moderate level so you can hear it whenever there's a call or message, avoiding uncomfortable stares from others.

Keep your ringtone at a reasonable volume; it reflects sophistication and helps protect your eardrums. In office environments, be mindful of phone usage. Avoid setting alarms louder than necessary, preventing discomfort for others. Use your phone only when absolutely necessary to avoid disrupting your work.

Many people have the habit of tossing their phones around and then losing track of them. If a call comes in, those around you will have to endure your ringtone. Of course, polite individuals will never touch someone else's phone, and they will patiently wait until the call ends. But what if the other end keeps calling persistently? Even the most easygoing folks can lose their temper. Moreover, hot-tempered individuals will find it incredibly annoying when your mobile phone becomes nothing more than a landline. Multiple calls, especially during urgent matters, can be quite exasperating for everyone. On the flip side, it's bothersome for people when a call comes in, and it's certainly nothing pleasant.

In addition, leaving your phone unattended also provides an opportunity for opportunistic thieves. Many have experienced the heartache of never seeing their beloved phones again. It's best to keep your phone with you at all times, 'better safe than sorry.' So, unless it's an emergency or a setting that demands tranquility...

Mobile phones emit a significant amount of radiation. Placing the phone directly against your ear while listening can have a detrimental impact on your nervous system. This effect worsens when the signal is weak, as the phone needs to operate at a much higher power. Prolonged phone conversations can increase the exposure of wireless signals from the device to the human brain, even a 2-minute call can alter brain electrical activity. The protective capacity of the brain diminishes when the body absorbs excessive radiation, leading to neurological disorders such as memory loss, Parkinson's disease, nervous system disorders, and an increased risk of sclerosis.

Therefore, reducing the usage time of mobile phones and using them only when necessary can help users minimize the impact on their brains. So, use external speakers when you are alone or use headphones for calls to ensure your own health and well-being. Avoiding unnecessary radiation from the phone is a way to protect your health and enhance your longevity.

Did you know that those who frequently use their own photo as wallpaper are often perceived as self-centered? It's like carrying a picture of yourself around to occasionally admire. However, if you use a photo of a loved one as your wallpaper, it's completely normal. It shows that you are an introverted person who values family life and has a deep affection for your relatives.

The wallpaper on your phone can feature a loved one or a symbol you like. It demonstrates discretion, not flaunting your personal life to others. Additionally, it's a prudent practice when using your phone.

The light emitted from your phone is, in fact, blue light. If this type of light is not filtered, it can impact the body's biological clock, sleep patterns, and natural activities. During the day, blue light stimulates the brain, but at night, excessive exposure from phones and computers can disrupt your sleep. That's why doctors advise limiting screen time 2-3 hours before bedtime.

Notably, the display screens of various digital devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones emit different amounts of blue light. While the amount of High Energy Visible (HEV) light emitted by these devices is small compared to sunlight, the prolonged use and close proximity of these screens to the face significantly amplify the health impact, especially on the eyes. If you use high screen brightness, it can cause eye strain and discomfort. So, adjust your phone's brightness to suit the ambient light conditions, enhancing content visibility and ensuring comfortable eyes. It also contributes to saving power and prolonging the effective lifespan of your phone's battery.

A study by a foreign scientist has proven that a phone is one of the dirtiest items, even 10 times dirtier than a household toilet. Your phone is frequently touched by your hands and others, yet it often lacks regular cleaning, accumulating countless contaminants. Therefore, the phone can be considered a breeding ground for an enormous amount of bacteria, posing a significant, yet often overlooked, health risk.

Regularly clean your phone at least once a day to safeguard your health. This habit not only maintains a fresh and attractive appearance for your phone but also reflects positively on your personal cleanliness and tidiness.

Did you know that when you use calling mode, it requires the listener to interrupt their ongoing tasks just to answer your call? If it's urgent, the call is justified, but if not, sending a text message is the best solution, allowing the recipient to read it at their convenience. It's frustrating to receive an unsolicited 'heart-to-heart' call during crucial tasks, and people often prefer to hang up as soon as possible. If you think a call will only last about 10 seconds, it's better to send a text.

Therefore, use your phone wisely to avoid inconveniencing others. It reflects the civility of phone users. Only make calls when you need to resolve urgent matters, and absolutely refrain from 'selling' over the phone during office hours.