How Excessive Screen Use Affects the Health of Children and Adults?
The article discusses the impact of excessive screen time on both mental and physical health, especially in children, emphasizing the need for mindful management of screen usage.
The article addresses the pervasive presence of smartphones, tablets, and computers in daily life, highlighting their dual role in providing convenience and posing health risks. Experts express concern that the issue lies not only in the quantity of screen time but also in the multitasking habits that have emerged, leading to a fragmented quality of attention. Psychiatrists, particularly Filip Mustač, caution about the tendency toward multitasking—such as responding to messages while watching TV or browsing social media during work—which can hinder meaningful engagement and reduce overall effectiveness.
Mustač suggests that this multitasking illusion gives us a false sense of competence and productivity. Despite our belief that we are efficiently managing our time, it often results in a decrease in our ability to focus and achieve our true potential. The psychiatrist advocates for a more conscious approach to screen time, where individuals are encouraged to limit distractions and focus on single tasks. By doing so, they can foster better mental clarity and presence in their activities, ultimately benefiting their health and productivity.
To combat the detrimental effects of excessive screen use, the article proposes strategies that promote healthier habits, such as setting specific times for screen engagement and incorporating breaks to rejuvenate attention spans. These recommendations aim to cultivate a more balanced relationship with technology, ensuring that it serves as a tool for enhancement rather than a source of detriment to well-being. This shift in awareness is particularly crucial for children's health, as they develop habits that could impact their future relationship with technology and mental health.