Since their invention, smartphones revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with the world around us.

Although many great things stem from technology, there are more negative impacts than good.

Smartphones may be incredibly useful and entertaining, but they have become time consuming — especially for teens.

According to a 2013 survey published by the Pew Research Center, 78 percent of people ages 12 through 17 have a cellphone, relying on texts and phone calls to communicate with others.

But instead of communicating through screens, teens need to get used to talking to people in person.

Less time on cellular devices would help develop the social lives of teens.

If you look around, you will see people around each other.

But instead of socializing, they’re on their phones.

Few go outside and enjoy the world as was common in older generations.

The amount of time people spend on their phones prevents them from experiencing many good things in life.

Whether it be quality time outside or moments with loved ones, technology ruins many of these possibilities.

Staring at a screen all day is not OK for a teen’s mental health, as technology causes memory failure, emotional instability, and strained vision.

According to a study performed by Bhaskar Medical College in India, 96.1 percent of the people the college surveyed owned phones and used the device for most of the day.

Their use caused headaches in 51.47 percent of the subjects, while 50.79 percent experienced irritability.

Other common symptoms include poor concentration and academic performance, insomnia, and anxiety.

We all know this is a growing problem that needs to stop, yet we continue to be a part of it.

It is time to put our phones down and look up.