The Mobile Phone Debate: To Turn Off or Not to Turn Off Before Sleep?
The debate over whether or not to turn off one's mobile phone before going to sleep has been sparked on Chinese social media recently. While some advocate the practice as a way to reduce wear and tear on the device, others claim that it could prevent interception of verification codes by pseudo base stations and potential online fraud. The conversations have stirred a range of reactions among netizens on Weibo.
27 October 2023
The debate began with a video posted by Shi Yonggang on his Weibo account, calling attention to the dangers of leaving mobile phones on 24/7 even when the battery power drops below 50%. He argued that turning off one's phone can help reduce wear and tear on the device and the CPU power consumption. This sparked interest among netizens, with some sharing their personal experiences.
Luo Huang and Yu Hua, for instance, were discussing mental fatigue when they came across the video and claimed that it helped them instantly. They shared their thoughts on how turning off their phones before going to sleep alleviated anxiety and helped them have a good night's rest. This resonated with many netizens who echoed similar experiences, attesting to the value of phone-free sleep times.
However, other netizens expressed concerns about potential risks associated with leaving their phones on all the time. Some users claimed that their mobile phones were easily accessible to pseudo base stations, which could intercept verification codes and lead to online fraud. While it is true that this risk is specific to Apple devices that automatically switch off when in sleep mode, many netizens expressed concern about the security implications of leaving their phones on at all times.
In addition to potential security risks, some users also voiced concerns about the impact of phone use before bedtime on their sleep quality. They noted that waking up suddenly during the night and reaching for their phone can actually increase anxiety and disrupt their sleep patterns. In response, they suggested ways to help relieve sleep anxiety, such as avoiding phone use before bedtime or using apps that provide relaxation techniques.
Despite these concerns, there were also netizens who advocated for keeping phones on all the time, arguing that the benefits of being connected always outweigh the potential risks. They pointed out that it was safe to keep mobile phones on within the safe range and that most people should be able to keep their phones on during the day as well. They believed that the risk was not limited to sleeping hours, but also applied to other times during the day when they were less vigilant.
The debate has sparked discussions about the safety of leaving mobile phones on all the time and the importance of maintaining good sleep hygiene. While some argued that turning off one's phone before going to bed could minimize wear and tear and reduce security risks, others advocated for staying connected always, citing convenience and safety reasons. It is evident from these discussions that mobile phone use has become an integral part of daily life, with netizens weighing the benefits against potential risks and sharing their personal experiences to help others make informed decisions.