The Digital Addiction of Minors: "I Treat Kids Who Spend the Weekend in Their Room with Their Mobile"
The article discusses the rising issue of digital addiction among minors, highlighting psychological symptoms and legal actions against major tech companies.
The article emphasizes the growing concern regarding digital addiction among minors, as many young individuals are reportedly spending entire weekends isolated in their rooms with their mobile devices. Psychologists are increasingly treating children exhibiting signs of addiction such as loss of time control, withdrawal symptoms, and irritability, which underline the detrimental effects that excessive screen time can have on mental health. The alarming trend suggests a significant number of youths struggle to manage their digital consumption, leading to various psychological problems.
The issue has garnered attention not only from mental health professionals but also from major technology companies. For the first time, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta—the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—has testified in court regarding the addictive nature of the products offered by his company. The legal proceedings in the United States focus on whether social media platforms are engineered to foster addiction among users. This marks a historic moment that could lead to substantial changes in how these platforms are designed and utilized, with increased scrutiny from both the public and legal authorities regarding their impacts on society.
As scientists continue to explore the consequences of excessive screen time on younger generations, there is a growing consensus that proactive measures are required. These measures could range from setting stricter regulations on digital consumption among minors to enhancing parental controls and fostering healthy digital habits among children. Stakeholders, including parents, educators, and mental health professionals, must collaborate to combat this rising epidemic effectively and nurture a balanced approach to technology use in daily life.