Tech-Savvy but Overwhelmed: The Dangers of Too Much Screen Time

In the current digital age, we’re all gaining greater access to and becoming more reliant on technology. Devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets have become a staple in our everyday lives, with the average person spending about 3 hours and 15 minutes on their phone each day, according to a recent report.

While technology is improving our lives and making things more convenient and accessible, it’s also posing a risk if not used carefully. People, especially the youth, are becoming more absorbed in technology, leading to an unhealthy amount of screen time.

Technology addiction, or screen addiction, refers to uncontrolled and excessive use of digital devices to the point of negatively impacting day-to-day life. Many people, especially youths, fall prey to screen addiction, which can have grave implications on both physical and mental health.

One of the major dangers of too much screen time is the impact it has on mental health. Exposure to social media platforms, for instance, has been proven to worsen depression and increase anxiety levels in teenagers. It’s no secret that most teenagers spend the majority of their time on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat- at times forgetting to engage with the people around them.

Too much screen time is correlated with addiction, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to social isolation and reduced participation in sporting, social, and intellectual activities. Chronic screen time has also been linked to lower self-esteem and impaired cognitive ability.

Furthermore, the radiation from digital screens has adverse effects on human eyesight. The eyes’ back retinal area is exceptionally vulnerable to blue light exposure, which could result in macular degeneration, phototoxicity, and dry eye.

Excessive screen time is also linked to obesity and inadequate sleep patterns. Numerous studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle has severe health consequences such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure, which are becoming increasingly common among the youth.

In conclusion, technology is a luxury that has become a necessity. Moreover, numerous advancements in technology have provided solutions to some of the modern world’s most pressing health and social issues. However, too much of anything can have adverse effects, and technology is no different. All the same, there are alternatives to lessen or entirely avoid screen exposure, including fostering positive and engaging social interactions, taking exercise and participating in sports, and rewarding outdoor adventures. These initiatives will not only reduce screen addiction but also promote overall health and positive personal development.