The invention of smartphones and the introduction of social media have profoundly transformed the way humans communicate, engage in entertainment, and acquire knowledge. Our smartphones, laptops, and other devices have become addictive, and we have become highly dependent on them. We have become accustomed to carrying our phones with us at all times, leading us to instinctively reach for them first thing in the morning to check our messages and other notifications. Similarly, they are the last thing we see before sleeping for the night.
Smartphones offer numerous advantages, including effortless access to global information, seamless connectivity with friends and family, and on-the-go convenience for banking, navigation, and managing daily tasks. However, the proliferation of content across various applications has led to a heightened level of addiction for screens. They are also engineered to be exceptionally stimulating, triggering the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. Screen time also provides people with an escape from stress, anxiety and boredom. It has become an addictive coping mechanism. Excessive screen time can have a negative impact on our mental and physical well being.
According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, the consistent use of digital media can disrupt sleep patterns. Screen time replaces physical activities that are directly beneficial for sleep. Another observation in the article is that exposure to blue and intense light in the evening from self-luminous devices disrupts the body’s natural sleep cycle. Blue light also reduces melatonin production, a hormone essential for sleep, making it harder to fall asleep. Digital devices are stimulating because they contain a lot of content, constant notifications, and alerts, which can lead to multiple awakenings during the night, disrupting sleep. This can result in grogginess and a negative mood in the morning, as well as negatively impacting concentration, memory, and performance in daily life.
An article in “ScienceDirect”, indicates a link between excessive screen time and a higher risk of depression. Prolonged use of digital devices can reduce social interactions and lead to social isolation which increases the risk of anxiety and depression, especially in young adults. The article links at a bidirectional relationship between depression and screen time which means people with depression may also increase their screen time.
Prolonged exposure to screens can have detrimental effects on attention span by inducing excessive brain stimulation. The constant bombardment of screens with rapid and engaging visual and auditory content leads to mental fatigue, significantly impairing individuals’ ability to concentrate on everyday tasks such as homework, work-related responsibilities, and other daily activities. Interactive social media and streaming applications provide instant gratification, triggering the release of dopamine. Consequently, the brain becomes accustomed to a “quick hit,” making slower-paced activities that demand substantial concentration, such as studying diligently or tasks for your job , increasingly challenging.
The excessive time spent on screens substitutes activities crucial for cognitive well-being, akin to physical exercises, social interactions, and creative pursuits. Lack of exercise negatively impacts physical health, as it reduces blood flow to the brain, while the absence of social interactions impedes an individual’s development of social-emotional competencies.
In this contemporary era, digital devices and screens have become an inescapable aspect of our lives. They have become an integral component of the modern world, enabling us to work, study, access information, and maintain connections with others. However, managing time spent in front of screens can be challenging. To achieve a healthy balance, we can adopt several strategies. Firstly, tracking our screen usage can provide valuable insights. Secondly, establishing a routine can help us regulate our screen time effectively. Lastly, setting intentional limits for screen time can be beneficial. Additionally, it is crucial to prioritise other hobbies and activities, such as sports, dancing, reading, learning musical instruments, and more. Parents can create designated areas for their children where digital devices are prohibited, such as the dining table during meals or the initial hours of the morning. By implementing these strategies, we can foster a healthier relationship with our screen time and establish a harmonious balance between the digital and real worlds.
Leave a Comment