It's no secret that screen time is on the rise. With so much of the world becoming increasingly digitised, it's no wonder people are spending more time in front of screens. Our future is digital, and we are all quickly adapting to this new reality.
Often, people are quick to comment on how much screen time young people have. They bemoan the fact that kids these days are always on their phones or tablets and never seem to go outside to play. While it is true in some cases, us adults are also guilty of spending too much time online.
With the rise of work from home or hybrid work models, establishing a healthy attitude regarding screen time is more important than ever. The same can be said of our leisure time. There are so many entertainment options at our fingertips; it's no wonder we can spend hours scrolling through social media or binge-watching our favourite shows. But how can screen time affect our mental health and wellness?
What Are the Possible Risks of Too Much Screen Time?
There is no denying that too much screen time can have negative consequences. Whether on our phones, computers, tablets or television, they all count as screen time. A sedentary lifestyle, for one, can lead to weight gain and other wellbeing problems. From how we sit to how we hold our phones, spending a lot of time in front of a screen can lead to potential health issues, such as:
- Headaches
- Eye strain
- Posture problems
But it's not just our physical health that can suffer from too much screen time. There are also risks to our mental health and overall psychological wellness.
Screen Time and Self Esteem
When scrolling through your social media feed, you can be faced with all sorts of weird and wonderful things. From what people had for dinner to a new baby's first steps, you can quickly get caught up in the lives of others.
It's too easy to compare our lives to the perfectly curated images we see on Instagram or Facebook. While there's nothing wrong with that, spending too much time on social media, for example, can lead to feelings of envy and comparison. No one wants to feel inadequate or have low self-esteem, but too much time spent on social media can lead to that.
The Effects of Screen Time and Depression
When we're feeling down, it's all too easy to turn to our screens for a quick fix. Whether it's aimlessly trawling our social media accounts or binge-watching a favourite show, screens can provide a temporary escape from our problems.
While this might seem like a harmless way to cope, too much can be terrible for our mental health in the long run. One study revealed that adults who spent more than 4 hours in front of a screen have an increased chance of developing moderate to severe depression. Then in another report, they found that children aged between 14 and 17, who had a daily average screen time of more than 7 hours, were twice as likely to develop depression.
Anxiety and Screen Time
Isolation and social anxiety are two major problems that can be exacerbated by too much screen time. Spending more time online makes us less likely to interact with people face-to-face. Solely relying on online communication can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can be harmful to anyone's wellbeing.
A 2019 study showed a direct link between anxiety (including generalised and social anxiety) and computer/video games if played for 4+ hours a day. Of course, any studies mentioned in this article are based on their test groups, but it clearly shows screen time does have some impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
Sleep Problems and Screen Time
Screens emit a blue light, which can significantly impact our sleep. One reason is that the blue light can mess with our Circadian rhythm, which is our natural sleep/wake cycle. When this happens, falling asleep and staying asleep can be more challenging.
Not getting enough sleep can have all sorts of negative consequences on our mental health, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Poor concentration
It's not just the blue light that can keep us up at night. If we're spending too much time on our screens before bed, it can be hard to switch off and relax. This is because our brains are still stimulated by the things we've seen and done online. So if you're finding it hard to sleep, it might be worth cutting down on your evening screen time.
The Positives of Screen Time
In this day and age, we can't completely avoid screen time. Many of us use computers at work or school. If this is you, by taking breaks every now and again, you can help avoid prolonged exposure.
But it's not all doom and gloom; screen time has some positives too! While there are risks associated with too much screen time, we can always enjoy the good as long as we limit our consumption. For example, using screens can:
- Help us stay connected to loved ones
- Allow us to work from home
- Provide a source of entertainment
- Help us stay informed about the world around us
Screens can also actually be used as a tool to improve our mental health. For example, some apps can help with anxiety and depression. Some of these apps provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while others teach mindfulness or meditation.
Of course, it's important to remember that these apps are not a replacement for professional help. If you, or someone you know, are struggling with your mental health, it's always best to speak to a doctor or therapist. But if you're looking for a way to improve your wellbeing, they can be a great place to start.
Conclusion
Screen time can have both negative and positive effects on our mental health. It's important to be aware of the risks so we can minimise them as much as possible. If you have to use screens for a prolonged period, give your mind a break every so often. If you find yourself struggling with your screen time consumption, there are many healthy activities you can do at home with your family instead.
Remember, screens are just one part of our lives. If you ever feel like your wellbeing or mental health is suffering because of them, take a break and reassess how much time you spend in front of a screen.
It's no secret that screen time is on the rise. With so much of the world becoming increasingly digitised, it's no wonder people are spending more time in front of screens. Our future is digital, and we are all quickly adapting to this new reality.
Often, people are quick to comment on how much screen time young people have. They bemoan the fact that kids these days are always on their phones or tablets and never seem to go outside to play. While it is true in some cases, us adults are also guilty of spending too much time online.
With the rise of work from home or hybrid work models, establishing a healthy attitude regarding screen time is more important than ever. The same can be said of our leisure time. There are so many entertainment options at our fingertips; it's no wonder we can spend hours scrolling through social media or binge-watching our favourite shows. But how can screen time affect our mental health and wellness?
What Are the Possible Risks of Too Much Screen Time?
There is no denying that too much screen time can have negative consequences. Whether on our phones, computers, tablets or television, they all count as screen time. A sedentary lifestyle, for one, can lead to weight gain and other wellbeing problems. From how we sit to how we hold our phones, spending a lot of time in front of a screen can lead to potential health issues, such as:
●Headaches
●Eye strain
●Posture problems
But it's not just our physical health that can suffer from too much screen time. There are also risks to our mental health and overall psychological wellness.
Screen Time and Self Esteem
When scrolling through your social media feed, you can be faced with all sorts of weird and wonderful things. From what people had for dinner to a new baby's first steps, you can quickly get caught up in the lives of others.
It's too easy to compare our lives to the perfectly curated images we see on Instagram or Facebook. While there's nothing wrong with that, spending too much time on social media, for example, can lead to feelings of envy and comparison. No one wants to feel inadequate or have low self-esteem, but too much time spent on social media can lead to that.
The Effects of Screen Time and Depression
When we're feeling down, it's all too easy to turn to our screens for a quick fix. Whether it's aimlessly trawling our social media accounts or binge-watching a favourite show, screens can provide a temporary escape from our problems.
While this might seem like a harmless way to cope, too much can be terrible for our mental health in the long run. One study revealed that adults who spent more than 4 hours in front of a screen have an increased chance of developing moderate to severe depression. Then in another report, they found that children aged between 14 and 17, who had a daily average screen time of more than 7 hours, were twice as likely to develop depression.
Anxiety and Screen Time
Isolation and social anxiety are two major problems that can be exacerbated by too much screen time. Spending more time online makes us less likely to interact with people face-to-face. Solely relying on online communication can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can be harmful to anyone's wellbeing.
A 2019 study showed a direct link between anxiety (including generalised and social anxiety) and computer/video games if played for 4+ hours a day. Of course, any studies mentioned in this article are based on their test groups, but it clearly shows screen time does have some impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
Sleep Problems and Screen Time
Screens emit a blue light, which can significantly impact our sleep. One reason is that the blue light can mess with our Circadian rhythm, which is our natural sleep/wake cycle. When this happens, falling asleep and staying asleep can be more challenging.
Not getting enough sleep can have all sorts of negative consequences on our mental health, including:
●Anxiety
●Depression
●Irritability
●Poor concentration
It's not just the blue light that can keep us up at night. If we're spending too much time on our screens before bed, it can be hard to switch off and relax. This is because our brains are still stimulated by the things we've seen and done online. So if you're finding it hard to sleep, it might be worth cutting down on your evening screen time.
The Positives of Screen Time
In this day and age, we can't completely avoid screen time. Many of us use computers at work or school. If this is you, by taking breaks every now and again, you can help avoid prolonged exposure.
But it's not all doom and gloom; screen time has some positives too! While there are risks associated with too much screen time, we can always enjoy the good as long as we limit our consumption. For example, using screens can:
●Help us stay connected to loved ones
●Allow us to work from home
●Provide a source of entertainment
●Help us stay informed about the world around us
Screens can also actually be used as a tool to improve our mental health. For example, some apps can help with anxiety and depression. Some of these apps provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while others teach mindfulness or meditation.
Of course, it's important to remember that these apps are not a replacement for professional help. If you, or someone you know, are struggling with your mental health, it's always best to speak to a doctor or therapist. But if you're looking for a way to improve your wellbeing, they can be a great place to start.
Conclusion
Screen time can have both negative and positive effects on our mental health. It's important to be aware of the risks so we can minimise them as much as possible. If you have to use screens for a prolonged period, give your mind a break every so often. If you find yourself struggling with your screen time consumption, there are many healthy activities you can do at home with your family instead.
Remember, screens are just one part of our lives. If you ever feel like your wellbeing or mental health is suffering because of them, take a break and reassess how much time you spend in front of a screen.
Links:
1.Association between screen time and depression among US adults - PMC (nih.gov)
2.Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study - PMC (nih.gov)
3. Reciprocal associations between screen time and emotional disorder symptoms during adolescence - ScienceDirect
Links:
1.Association between screen time and depression among US adults - PMC (nih.gov)