In today’s digital age, screens have become an essential part of our daily lives, offering convenience, entertainment, and connections. However, excessive screen time has raised concerns about its impact on our well-being. Research indicates that prolonged exposure to screens can negatively affect mental health, cognitive functions, and physical health. Many of us know the phrase “brain rot”; it is defined as “material of low or addictive quality, typically in online media, that preoccupies someone to the point it is said to affect mental functioning”. Essentially the act of mindless scrolling and consumption of social media and online content is rotting our brains.
As seen above majority of teenagers between the ages of 12–17 have 4 or more hours of daily screen time. Excessive screen time has been linked to various mental health issues. A study published in the Preventive Medicine Reports found that “more hours of daily screen time were associated with lower psychological well-being, including less curiosity, lower self-control, more distractibility, more difficulty making friends, less emotional stability, being more difficult to care for, and inability to finish tasks.” This indicates that high screen usage can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
As I mentioned the overuse of digital devices can also impair cognitive functions. Dr. Kyra Bobinet, a behavioral neuroscientist, explains that endless social media scrolling triggers the brain’s habenula, leading to diminished motivation and focus. This contributes to issues like decreased attention spans and an epidemic of loneliness. Additionally, excessive screen time can interfere with sleep patterns, further intensifying cognitive decline. The Harvard Medical School states that while digital devices can enhance learning and build communities, they can also interfere with everything from sleep to creativity.
Beyond mental and cognitive effects, prolonged screen exposure can lead to physical health issues. Sedentary behavior associated with screen time increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal problems.
Additionally, staring at screens for extended periods can cause eye strain and discomfort. Kaitlyn Viches, a 19-year-old college student at FIU states that “Majority of times I get a headache, I think about how much screen time I’ve had up until the pain started and 9 times out of 10, that particular day I was on my phone and laptop a lot more than other days.”
She also stated, “I used to have trouble getting good sleep at night until I started drinking tea and reading a book before bed instead of scrolling away on my phone and it’s crazy how much of a difference that simple change has made on my sleep patterns.”
Viches, like many of us, has experienced the effects of high screen time, therefore, this is your sign to lower your daily screen time to improve your well-being overall.
To combat the negative effects of excessive screen time, experts recommend setting boundaries and incorporating regular breaks. Engaging in physical activities, finding screen-free moments throughout your day, and prioritizing face-to-face interactions can help us prevent the continuation of becoming brain-rotted. Mindful usage of technology, such as limiting social media consumption and choosing educational content, can also improve screen usage.
To conclude, while digital devices offer numerous benefits, it’s crucial to monitor and manage screen time to save our mental, cognitive, and physical well-being. By learning to be mindful and setting healthy boundaries, we can enjoy the advantages of technology without compromising our health.
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