Is too much screen time detrimental to mental health? Is excessive use of the phone making us blue? You are tired after spending the whole day at work, and now all you want to do is scroll through social media accounts or watch your favorite movie on Netflix, Right? But how beneficial is it to us and our mental health to spend so much time on screens? As you continue reading, you will get to know what impact screen time has on our mental health. The study found a correlation between mental health and screen time.

Screen time refers to the time a person looks at a screen on any device, such as a computer, phone, or television. The anxiety level among people is on the rise at a time when they are watching television and spending most of their time using cell phones. The outcomes of research are conflicting, as many studies find negative mental health effects of using screens, such as depression and anxiety. However, the positive outcomes include creativity and mental and psychological well-being. Let’s discuss the negative mental health effects of using screens.

Negative effects of screening on mental health:

So many people are concerned: Does screen time affect only adults? What about the kids? Does constant access to screens hurt kids’ mental health too? You all need to know how screen time affects adults and kids.

Screen time for kids:

Children spend most of their time watching cartoons on television. Research shows that there may be an increased risk of speech delay in children who spend the most time in front of a screen. As screens became more prevalent in daily life, kids social interactions declined. The ability to learn and think is compromised. There is a lack of healthy relationships with parents. A high level of screen use is associated with reduced physical activity and inhibits children’s ability to observe.

Studies show that children learn language best when they engage and interact with adults who talk and play with them. Children in today’s society exhibit different symptoms of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity. This ADHD- related behavior is related to screen time.

Screen time for adults:

Adults are dependent on digital devices and online spaces because of their office work. Constant exposure to devices such as phones and laptops can have a negative impact on mental health, increase stress and anxiety, and cause a variety of sleep problems. Constant exposure to blue and intense light screens disturbs the eyesight, resulting in poor vision, dry eyes, and irritation.

Screen time makes adults lethargic as it replaces time spent performing physical activities, which are beneficial for sleep every night. Studies suggest that teenagers who use the internet more frequently and use social media sites at night are likely to sleep poorly. Reduced sleep and physical inactivity have detrimental effects on the eating habits of the young generation and contribute to various cardiovascular disorders and obesity.

The Bottom Line

Excessive screen time in kids and adults seems to be associated with mental health problems. Taking small breaks throughout the day and using different apps to track screen time can help minimize adverse effects.